Calderdale battery energy storage plans to get green light despite fire fears?
Plus, Bank Holiday weekend guide
Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead!
I don’t know about everyone else but I had a shock yesterday when water started dropping from the skies as I was driving over towards Todmorden.
It feels like it’s been ages since we’ve seen any rain although I’m hoping that that’s it for the next few days and the Bank Holiday weekend is a sunny affair!
Anyway, in this edition we’ve got details of two controversial planning applications up for a decision next week.
Plus, a guide to what’s hot this weekend.
So, on with the news…
Calderdale planning chiefs set to approve controversial battery energy storage plan
Additional reporting by LDRS’ John Greenwood
Councillors in Calderdale are being recommended to approve controversial plans to develop a battery energy storage system close to homes in Halifax.
Masdar Arlington Energy’s application to open the plant next to Holmfield’s Sidhil Industrial Estate was due to be considered at the committee’s meeting last month but it was pulled from the schedule at the 11th hour as people were arriving at Halifax Town Hall to watch the meeting.
It has nearly 400 objections, including one from Halifax MP Kate Dearden, many concerned about health issues and safety including fire risk, including citing a 2020 blaze at a Liverpool battery energy storage site.
Residents close to the site have taken to Facebook to lodge their opposition to the plans and raised concerns about fires at other such plants.
One said: “It’s planned to be located between five schools containing thousands of children. What happens if it goes up in smoke? The schools and local community would be affected.
“House prices will be affected and not to mention the disruption to the local area during construction.”
Another added: “[It’s] best away from all densely populated areas really due to the potential of fire which has to be left to burn itself out and produces toxic fumes.”
The plans will now be discussed at the planning meeting next Tuesday at Halifax Town Hall.
The new officers’ report includes Planning Inspectors’ assessment of fire risk at other similar projects which conclude the project would be able to operate safely.
Officers conclude that despite representing a departure from designation set out in Calderdale’s Local Plan, resulting in loss of employment use at the site, the potential energy storage benefits carry more weight and conditions imposed on the applicants mean the plans are acceptable – they recommend councillors should approve them.
Planners also recommend the councillors should be mindful to approve, subject to legal agreements, NJ (2002) Ltd’s plans to build 288 homes at land next to Wade House Avenue, Shelf.
Sixty seven objections have been received to the scheme, citing highways included related pollution, flooding and biodiversity issues.
Before we get onto our Bank Holiday Weekend guide, please do take some time to read the piece below from our national edition.
As the government prepares sweeping changes to PIP and disabled benefits,
ask what's behind the rise in disability numbers – and what needs to happen now.
Celebrate the Bank Holiday across Calderdale
It’s ANOTHER Bank Holiday weekend this weekend and, as ever, there’s lots going on across Calderdale.
European Stone Carving Festival
Saturday 10am – 6pm & Sunday 10am – 5pm
The European Stone Carving Festival returns to the UK for the first time in 10 years, for an international festival of traditional stone carving where 120 apprentice stonemasons, master stonemasons and sculptors from all over Europe will compete against each other to create new works in just 2 days.
The event will be held in the grounds of Halifax Minster, with live music, local stalls and food & drink available throughout both days and an auction on Sunday.
Entry is free.
Todmorden Carnival
Saturday from 12.30pm
The history of public services is the theme for this year’s Todmorden Carnival.
The annual event, which starts with a parade at 12.30pm from Sanworth Street, takes place at Centre Vale Park in the town.
There’s a funfair, stalls and a range of entertainment.
Pre-day tickets are £2 per person, with prices rising on the day.
An Evening with Lord Ian Botham
Sunday from 7.30pm
Lord Ian Botham, the former England captain, is hoping to bowl fans over in Halifax on Sunday.
Beefy was one of the most impactful all-rounders of his generation with 14 centuries and 383 wickets in a career that spanned over 15 years.
Prolific with both bat and ball, Ian Botham was the fastest to the double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets. He broke the World Record for most Test wickets, and finished his career with 5,200 runs and 383 wickets.
His ‘Evening with…’ show at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax promises a night of entertaining stories, banter and an insight into the game.
Tickets, priced from £34.25, are available here.
That’s it for this edition of The Calderdale Lead.
I hope you’re able to enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend and the sun sticks its hat on for some fun.
Don’t forget, if you have a story that you think I should be looking at, drop me a line on calderdale@thelead.uk.
Until Sunday, have a great week!
Andrew