Council approves battery farm near former quarry slated for 270 homes; energy project supports climate goals.
The battery farm will occupy almost two acres at the old Edwin Richards Quarry. Sandwell Council had previously approved filling the quarry and building homes there back in 2018.
Downing Renewable Developments proposed the project, seeking to install 56 storage containers as part of a 100MW battery system. This facility will store extra power for later use and will remain for 40 years before being removed.
The Council considered the visual and noise impact of the project, finding no major concerns. Officials stated that the battery farm would not significantly affect light, outlook, or privacy for neighbors.
The project supports broader energy and climate goals by diversifying energy sources, promoting energy security, and contributing to a low-carbon economy. Developers also believe the project will not have substantial adverse effects.
Sandwell Council initially approved homes for the quarry in February 2018 and backed detailed plans, including home designs, last year. The landowner has indicated homes should be built within eight years, consisting of both flats and houses, with eleven designated as affordable housing.
A plan to construct flats was also approved nearby, with the quarry transformation, including homes and a waste plant, revealed years ago. The quarry will be filled with tons of materials, as it was designated as a future housing site for the Council.
The quarry historically served as a site for extracting rock for over a century, producing “Rowley Rag” used for roads before its closure in 2008.