Over 1,000 Object to North Yorkshire Battery Storage Plans

Plans to build battery energy storage facilities in the UK, including sites in Oldham and North Yorkshire, have sparked significant local opposition. In Oldham, residents are concerned about the impact on wildlife, mental health, and the tranquility of the Medlock Valley Fishery, though planning officers argue the facility will aid Greater Manchester's transition to Net Zero without significant adverse effects. Similarly, in North Yorkshire, over 1,000 objections have been raised against two large battery storage systems proposed by NatPower, with concerns ranging from potential fire risks and loss of agricultural land to negative effects on the rural landscape and proximity to the North York Moors National Park. Parish councils and environmental groups argue that these projects offer little local benefit and could be detrimental to the environment, while proponents assert that the facilities are essential for storing renewable energy and ensuring reliable electricity supplies.