Lichfield, 15th July 2025 – In a development that has sent ripples of concern through the local community, Lichfield Councillors are set to visit the controversial battery storage site TODAY at 2pm. This unprecedentedly swift site visit follows a dramatic and split decision at the council meeting on June 30th, where the Chairman opted to defer the application, citing a need for a site visit and a thorough review of several pressing environmental concerns.

The speed with which this visit has been arranged is nothing short of astounding. Information about today’s crucial inspection only emerged last night, leaving residents and concerned parties with minimal time to prepare or voice their opinions. It begs the question: why the rush?

It’s no secret that Elgin Energy and certain council planners appear keen for this project to proceed. But if it does, the implications for our precious greenbelt are dire. This development could set a dangerous precedent, paving the way for further encroachment on the very land that defines our district’s character and offers vital ecological benefits.

Adding to the growing unease is a deeply concerning remark reportedly overheard from a Lichfield District councillor: that this project “must go ahead as it will cost the council a lot of money if it doesn’t.” What are we to make of this? Does it suggest financial pressures are overriding genuine environmental and community concerns? Is the council being backed into a corner, or is there more to this statement than meets the eye? This comment certainly raises questions about the motivations driving this accelerated process.

During the initial council meeting, the proposed plans for managing construction traffic through our already narrow lanes were, frankly, laughable. The sheer unsuitability of these routes for heavy vehicles, and the almost unbelievable journeys trucks are expected to undertake, sparked widespread disbelief. This project, if approved, promises to unleash a torrent of disruption and danger onto our already stretched local infrastructure.

Furthermore, serious safety concerns have been raised by key authorities. The M6 Toll has expressed significant worries due to the site’s close proximity to the toll road, highlighting potential hazards for motorists if an incident were to occur. Fire and Rescue services have also voiced their anxieties, specifically regarding the challenging access along Lions Den – a narrow lane that could severely impede emergency response in the event of an incident.

And as if that weren’t enough, the Police have weighed in with concerns about security. The proposed 24-hour lighting of the site means this plot will “stand out like a sore thumb” in our otherwise rural landscape. It doesn’t take a crystal ball to foresee the inevitable consequence: how long before valuable cables are cut and stolen, leading to further disruption and potential safety issues?

Today’s site visit is a critical moment for Lichfield District Council. Our councillors have a monumental responsibility to scrutinise this application with the utmost diligence, taking into account the myriad of concerns raised by residents and emergency services alike. We urge them to remember the true cost of this development – not just in financial terms, but in the irreversible destruction of our greenbelt and the potential compromise of our community’s safety and tranquility.

The eyes of Burntwood and Hammerwich are on you, councillors. Make the right decision for our future.