A campaigner has raised concerns that extreme heat has not been factored into the design of a controversial battery energy storage system (BESS) approved on Walsall's green belt. Jenny Hulme, a member of Beacon Action Group, which has long opposed the project, said developer Anesco has made 'no mention' of how the systems are cooled down in hot weather.
Background of the Chapel Lane Development
Anesco was granted permission to build the 3.2-hectare BESS off Chapel Lane after a multi-year battle with Walsall Council. The authority had strongly objected to the development, citing fire safety risks, loss of green belt land, noise, and industrial appearance. The facility, described as 'temporary' with a 40-year lifespan, is designed to store electricity from the grid during off-peak hours and release it during periods of high demand.
The scheme was originally refused by Walsall Council, but Anesco was granted permission by a planning inspector following a public inquiry in November 2024. Speakers at the inquiry described the scheme as 'explosive' and said it would result in a 'risk to life'. Anesco countered that fire risks had been 'consistently overstated'. The council challenged the inspector's decision in court twice, but both challenges were dismissed.
New Application and Campaigner's Objections
Anesco has now submitted a further planning application to Walsall Council seeking to vary conditions related to site levels, acoustics, tree protections, drainage, and boundary treatments. Jenny Hulme has submitted strong objections to the latest application, citing climate change concerns given recent hot weather alerts in the UK.
She said: 'In light of climate change now playing a far greater role in our day-to-day life, I believe that the whole planning application should be reconsidered or paused for the safety and human rights for those whose lives will be impacted if this goes ahead. How are BESS cooled down in intense heat? I could provide volumes of information as to how the BESS could be cooled down. However, Anesco appears not to have considered this? There is no mention of fans? One aspect is electrical cooling, so will it cost more to cool the BESS down to make it ‘safe’ than the actual electricity it could store.'
Anesco's Response
Anesco said climate change and extreme weather have been considered for the proposed development. A spokesperson said: 'Climate change, including the potential effects of extreme weather, has been considered in the design and assessment of the Chapel Lane Battery Energy Storage System. The current application does not propose a new development but seeks amendments to a scheme that already has planning permission following examination through the planning process. The proposed battery technology includes industry-standard safety features such as continuous monitoring, fire detection and suppression systems, and thermal management measures designed to ensure safe operation in a range of environmental conditions. Battery Energy Storage Systems are an important part of the UK’s electricity network, helping to store energy and balance supply and demand as more renewable generation connects to the grid.'
Council's Position
Councillor Elaine Williams, leader of Walsall Council, said: 'In March 2025, the council brought a formal challenge against the decision on the basis that it did not believe the planning inspector had properly considered alternative sites for the development, had not appropriately applied the evidence relating to noise impacts, and had made a number of fundamental errors in reaching their conclusions. The court subsequently dismissed the council’s case, concluding that the inspector was entitled to rely on their experience and planning judgement when reaching their conclusions, and that the reasoning provided was adequate. A new application has since been submitted seeking to vary conditions attached to the approved development. As this is a live planning application, the council is required to consider it through the statutory planning process. All representations received, including those from local residents and community groups, will be taken into account before a decision is made.'
