UPDATE: An energy firm has just announced that Bexley Council could face costs of “hundreds of thousands of pounds” following its refusal of a significant planning proposal. Firstway Energy plans to appeal the council’s decision to block the construction of a large-scale battery energy storage system on farmland in Sidcup, a move that could impact energy access in the region.
Bexley Council denied Firstway Energy’s proposal last month, citing “significant harm” to the rural landscape and deeming it “inappropriate development” within the green belt. The proposed facility, nearly the size of 10 football pitches, was intended to store 200 megawatts of electrical energy—enough to power 647,590 homes—and support the UK’s transition to renewable energy.
Firstway Energy expressed shock at the council’s swift rejection, claiming they were led to believe the plans would be recommended for approval and discussed at the Planning Committee. Instead, the application was dismissed by planning officers without further public scrutiny, despite receiving over 600 public representations.
Bexley Council disputes Firstway’s assertions, stating the application did not meet the criteria for approval. A spokesperson emphasized that no commitment was made to approve the application, reinforcing that only applications recommended for approval reach the committee stage.
Firstway Managing Director Nathan Stevenson criticized the council’s decision, stressing the adverse financial implications of the appeal process. “This decision will now incur the cost, delay, and impact on Firstway Energy’s business of securing consent via an appeal,” he said. Stevenson also highlighted that the appeal process could cost the council significantly, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of pounds.
The BESS proposed by Firstway is viewed as essential for enhancing energy reliability across the UK, especially as the country aims to decarbonize its energy grid by 2030. “The negative stance taken by the London Borough of Bexley towards clean energy infrastructure undermines national priorities,” Stevenson added.
In a bid to avoid a repeat of this contentious scenario, Firstway is promoting another energy storage proposal on land off Dartford Road in Bexley. This new application has also garnered substantial public attention, with 314 letters of support and 169 objections lodged. Stevenson urged the council to engage more actively with the company during the review process to ensure the benefits of energy storage are fully considered by elected officials.
As Firstway prepares for the appeal, the implications of this conflict over energy infrastructure could resonate well beyond Sidcup, impacting local energy policies and the future of green initiatives across the UK.
Stay updated as this story develops, and for more local news, you can sign up for the MySouthLondon newsletter.
