Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Louie French has today warned that plans for two energy storage facilities in Bexley Village and North Cray were "unsafe, inappropriate and environmentally damaging".
The proposals he commented on would see more than 200 battery units installed on a nature conservation area behind Wansunt Road and high-quality farmland off North Cray Road.
In response to the public consultation on the idea, Mr French said: "I am disappointed by how little detail there is as part of this public consultation. However, from what is available, I am deeply concerned that these proposals are unsafe, inappropriate and environmentally damaging."
He warned that building these facilities on the green belt would be inappropriate, industrialising the countryside and threatening the setting and unique character of Bexley and North Cray villages. He also raised concerns that the plans do not meet the National Fire Chief Council's (NFCC) guidance on access points crucial in case of any battery fires. The fire safety requirements would also require clearing nature-rich scrub and meadows, irrecoverably damaging the natural environment.
He added: "I firmly believe that you have chosen the wrong locations to build energy storage facilities. I strongly encourage you to consider other sites instead of proposing inappropriate development on the green belt. If you decide to proceed with your proposals and submit formal planning applications, I urge you to follow NFCC guidance, engage with the London Wildlife Trust concerning biodiversity mitigation, and reassure residents on footpaths."
The developer has yet to submit formal planning applications. If they do so, local residents will have another opportunity to comment on the proposals.
