In June, Cleve Hill Solar Park (CHSP) appealed against Swale Borough Council’s Planning Committe refusal of the Battery Safety Management Plan (BSMP).
Shockingly, after a relatively short period, The Planning Inspectorate overturned this decision on 5 July.
This was despite significant evidence that the proposed installation was not safe, and that insufficient attention had been paid to the emergency arrangements in the event of an incident, particularly in view of its close proximity to local communities and schools.
CHSP are now able to proceed with their plans, and it is unclear what mechanisms will be in place to moniter the installation to ensure all regulations and requirements are complied with.
The Planning Inspectorate also awarded costs against Swale Borough Council.
The full decision can be found at https://pa.midkent.gov.uk/online-applications/files/CEECDE04184A762646635FA0A55074E0/pdf/23_503812_SUB–6261047.pdf