Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Louie French formally objected today to Net Zero Thirty Two Limited's inappropriate planning application to build a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on the green belt.
The developer is arguing that high-quality farmland on protected green belt land near North Cray Road is 'grey belt' under Labour's new planning rules. If approved, the site would host up to 200 lithium-ion batteries. This is the first of three similar applications near Bexley Village to be submitted since the Government weakened green belt protections last year.
Mr French said: "This is precisely the sort of inappropriate development that green belt rules are designed to stop. But Labour's 'grey belt' loophole has given developers the green light to develop and industrialise Bexley's precious remaining countryside.
"This is high-quality farmland in the middle of Bexley's green belt, which preserves the historic setting of Bexley Village, North Cray, and Sidcup. It is the wrong place to install up to 200 industrial-style battery containers.
"I'm also highly concerned by the inadequate fire safety measures taken on the site, especially given its proximity to homes, businesses and an important community centre."
