Wakefield Council has approved plans for a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) on a six-acre site near Castleford. The project, led by Harmony Energy, will feature 36 storage units designed to capture renewable energy and release it to the National Grid during periods of high demand.
The site, located off Holmfield Lane, was previously designated as greenbelt land under the council’s January 2024 Local Plan. Still, a national policy revision in December reclassified it as “grey belt,” easing planning restrictions. Despite objections from 49 residents citing concerns over traffic, fire risk, and wildlife disruption, the scheme was granted planning permission.
The project aligns with Wakefield’s target of reaching net zero by 2038 and reflects the wider national shift toward decentralised, renewable-focused grid infrastructure. The West Yorkshire Fire Service has requested that the design adhere to national safety guidelines for battery facilities.
This approval follows a similar green light for another BESS development less than a mile away near the former Ferrybridge Power Station, signalling increased momentum for grid-balancing infrastructure in the region.
