"Long live the fish" - plans for battery storage system in Manchester opposed by locals

LDRS reports: “Battery firm Root Power wants to build a system to store energy from renewable sources on greenbelt land near to Medlock Road, Failsworth.”

“The application includes battery units, a substation and additional storage containers, along with the creation of a new access point.”

The residents of Failsworth are unhappy with these plans and more than 20 community members have written to the council to express their feelings on the matter. It will now be considered by Oldham’s planning committee on the 23rd of April.

The local community have raised many concerns surrounding the proposal ranging from noise pollution to the impact on wildlife, with the storage unit planned to sit close to Medlock Valley Fishery.

One resident said: “If this goes ahead it will damage the Medlock fishery as a business and cause me great stress… long live the fish.”

Another local said: “It’s an escape from all the city noise. Fishing there really helps with my anxiety and depression, hearing the wildlife, birds, etc. really helps me and I know there’s many other anglers that feel the same way.”

Planning officers have recommended the application for approval and said development: “would not lead to any evidence of significant adverse impact on mental health.” Further stating the facility has a “fundamental role in transitioning Greater Manchester to Net Zero.”

Root Power has said that the area will be out of sight due to shrubbery and trees and that acoustic fences will be erected around the site to stop noise pollution.