The DMC is comprised of Councillors from across the whole of Mole Valley and it seems the impact of development on the green belt surrounding Ashtead was of little interest to them. It is true that there is a government led need for Battery Storage to supplement power supplies nationally but in our opinion the impact on the green belt was seriously overlooked by MVDC planners and by the majority of Councillors sitting on the DMC. Other more suitable land for the BESS installation could have been identified if the green belt issue had been fully considered.

We were dismayed by the DMC decision as Bess facilities did not form part of the new Mole Local Plan nor are they considered to be renewable energy generation. Unlike parts of west London, there is no shortage of power capacity at the Chessington sub-station nor in the local networks. So it seems there is no renewable energy need for this facility locally and, it is highly likely, nationally. The Government's Clean Power 2030 Action Plan states, "in the case of solar and batteries, (projects) are oversubscribed nationally in our current connection queue(1)".

The key issues that were brushed aside in the DMC meeting were:

1.0 Incorrect assessment of this green belt land and the reclassification as grey belt in relation to the latest government guidelines.

2.0 The safety concerns that exist and the evidence that other battery storage facilities have literally exploded and resulted in serious fires that take a considerable time and effort to bring under control. See link to BBC new article. 'We are playing with fire': Fears persist over battery storage https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czjvdpzw71po

3.0 The failure to appreciate the impact on the local ecology and environment, including the pollution that would potentially impact The National Nature Reserve of Ashtead Common, the Rye Brook and The Rye Wetlands.

4.0 The case as to whether the need for the BESS was proven was not adequately questioned.

Many of the Councillors from outside of Ashtead and Leatherhead were perhaps grateful that the BESS application was not in their back yard and they are now able to report back their constituents that a step has been taken to increase energy security with the plant being provided in Ashtead (away from their neighbourhood).

They have a good news story to present!

We, on the other hand, have seen the land reclassified as Grey Belt which in our opinion will result in development that is harmful to the fundamental principles of the Green Belt. This increases the long-term potential for a change of use and could see this land re-developed in the future bringing Ashtead and Leatherhead within touching distance, contrary to the purposes of the Green Belt.

The decision sets a precedent that could also impact on other Green Belt land around Ashtead and indeed across the whole of Mole Valley.

Undoubtedly National and Local politics has played a part in this decision and together with the recent Ermyn Way planning approval for 270 homes, will result in the further erosion of Green Belt and the consequential impact on our ecology, environment and “village” character of Ashtead.

I am sorry that we were unable to persuade the non-Ashtead Councillors sitting on the DMC, but whilst we are left to accept another detrimental decision, others will no doubt be cheering the development of the Battery Storage Plant in our area.

The next major issues likely to affect us are the development of Ermyn House, again accessed off Ermyn Way and the Bull Hill Development in Leatherhead.