Walsall Council has disclosed that taxpayers have spent £81,555.22 in total defending their opposition to a contentious Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) proposed on green belt land in Great Barr.
The dispute began in 2021 when developer Anesco applied to build a 3.2-hectare temporary battery storage facility off Chapel Lane within the Great Barr Conservation Area. Designed to store electricity during off-peak hours and release it during demand spikes, the facility was planned to operate for 40 years.
Council planners initially rejected the development application due to concerns about the site’s green belt status and safety risks. When Anesco appealed, a public inquiry took place in November 2024. Opponents raised alarms about the potential for explosions, dangers, and risks to life, while the developer maintained those concerns were exaggerated.
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In January 2025, a planning inspector overturned the council’s refusal, ruling that the benefits of the project outweighed any harm caused. The council then took the matter to the High Court, arguing that the inspector made serious errors in judgment. However, in September 2025, the court upheld the inspector’s decision and dismissed the challenge.
The cost breakdown shows that £59,475.72 was spent defending the case through appeals and the court, while Anesco was awarded £22,082.50 in costs, burdening taxpayers with the full £81,555.22 bill.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council, expressed his disappointment: “It’s disgraceful the court dismissed our case, but their decision is final. We believe this development is the wrong choice for our borough and an inappropriate use of green belt land. The community has consistently opposed it, and despite our efforts, we were unable to protect the site.”