Development of a battery energy storage system with associated infrastructure, access, drainage and landscaping.

1. The application has failed to provide sufficient information to enable full assessment of flood risk and drainage impacts arising from the proposal. The absence of an adequate Flood Risk Assessment and supporting drainage details means the Local Planning Authority cannot be satisfied that the development would not increase flood risk across the site and within the wider area. Accordingly, the proposal is in conflict with Policy SO2.2 of the Cannock Chase District Local Plan (2018-2040) and paragraph 181 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2024).
2. The application fails to provide sufficient information to adequately assess the ecological impact of the proposal upon the biodiversity of the site. The applicant has failed to provide details relating to potential alternative sites, the potential presence of protected species on site, Biodiversity baseline conditions and the delivery of biodiversity Net Gain. The submitted Environmental Impact Assessment does not adequately assess potential impacts or demonstrate that harm can be avoided or mitigated. As such, it has not been demonstrated that the scheme accords with policy SO7.1 of the Cannock Chase District Local Plan (2018-2040) and paragraph 187 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2024).
3. The application has failed to provide an adequate assessment of noise arising from the proposed development. The nature and scale of the proposal, which has the potential to generate noise through ongoing operational noise may create a potential adverse impact on the amenity of nearby residents. As such, it has not been demonstrated that the scheme would safeguard residential amenity and conflicts with Policy SO2.2 of the Cannock Chase District Local Plan (2018-2040) and the National Planning Policy Framework (2024).
4. The application fails to provide sufficient information to adequately assess the full impact of the proposal on the highway. In particular, it has not been demonstrated that the junction of School Lane with the A5 Trunk Road, which does not meet current standards, would be suitable and would not have an adverse impact upon highway safety, thereby potentially increasing the risk of traffic collisions in this location. Therefore, the proposal is contrary to paragraph 116 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2024).
5. Reason for Refusal of Planning Permission In accordance with paragraph (38) of the National Planning Policy Framework the Local Planning Authority has worked with the applicant in a positive and proactive manner to approve the proposed development. However, in this instance the proposal fails to accord with the Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.

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