RESIDENTS who live near a site where an industrial lithium battery storage facility will be built in Basingstoke are concerned for their safety if the site were to "go up in flames".

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has granted planning permission for a new lithium battery storage facility in Basing Fenn near The Hampshire Clinic and within meters of the River Loddon – one of the major tributaries to the River Thames.

A spokesperson from the borough council said planning permission was approved for the site in March 2020.

Since then a new application has been submitted for Basing Fen to vary a condition and install an energy storage development enclosed within a 2.43-metre high fence but this has not yet been approved and residents can still object.

A borough council spokesperson has also confirmed that concerns raised by residents in response to the new application will be considered as part of the assessment of the proposed development. 

READ MORE: Fire service concerned about battery storage facilities plans

As the demand for renewable energy remains crucial, battery energy storage systems have emerged to stabilise power grids and enhance the integration of renewable sources.

However, they are a controversial subject because they are highly reactive and are capable of producing serious and toxic fires that are difficult to extinguish, posing a danger for firefighters.

The Gazette has been talking to residents in the nearby estate Cowdery Heights.

Helen Patten said she only found out about the plans in June through her neighbours. 

Helen typed a letter and posted it through all the doors of those living in the estate to let them know. 

She said: "Our biggest concern is the fact that with such facilities if they combust you can't extinguish them out just like that. They have to be submerged underwater for a long time. I am thinking if that storage facility went up in flames where it is situated on Basing Road would be our only way in and out of Cowdery Heights.

"If that facility went up in flames you are going to get tall flames coming up and with the wind blowing in our direction god only knows if the flames could essentially block our way out. You also have the toxic fumes to consider."

SEE ALSO: Basingstoke MP warns Lithium mega-battery sites need safety rules

She is also worried it could affect her house insurance and "hamper the market" when it comes to selling the house.

Ray Walker, who also lives in Cowdery Heights, said: "It was a bit of a shock because I didn't think that the area around us was marked for any sort of development in regards to a battery storage facility.

"Where they are planning on building this is right slap bang in the middle of a wildlife reserve, there is quite a lot of nature about. I could only imagine the devastating effect it could have on the wildlife."

He continued: "I am led to believe that if there is a fire in that facility it could take quite a long time for it to be put out."

Ray said he has been left feeling "angry, worried and concerned" about the safety of residents.

Another resident, Andrew Sparks, said: "I am concerned about it being so close to the house because of safety and the house value. The site itself is in the middle of the River Loddon. I understand these things need to go somewhere but this seems like one of the worst places you could put it, I think."

SEE MORE: MP calls for fire services to have say in battery storage plans

A council spokesperson added: "The site has an existing planning permission approved under application 19/03097/FUL in 2020. The new application that is being considered seeks to amend the plans in the original application.

"A site notice is displayed and the revised application is on our website. As there are no immediately adjoining properties, which we have to inform, we sent letters to nearby properties.

"Residents can comment on an application even if they do not receive the initial letter. To date we’ve received 42 objections and two letters of support."

As previously reported, concerns were raised about the site by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue chief, Neil Odin, and Basingstoke's MP Maria Miller.

Mr Odin previously said: ‘’Whilst we recognise the positive contribution that these types of installations can play in providing solutions to cleaner energy, we remain concerned about the impact of the chosen locations that could have such a detrimental effect on the local environment and important infrastructure should a fire occur.

“In the event of a fire, our teams would face an impossible choice between protecting the community from a potentially toxic or explosive gas plume or applying water that would pollute the watercourse for many years.’’ 

READ ALSO:  Basingstoke MP Maria Miller to propose new law to make battery storage facilities less dangerous

The Gazette asked for Mr Odin to comment on the concerns raised by residents.

He said: "Lithium-ion battery fires cannot be extinguished by traditional methods, with large amounts of water required over several days to stop the intense blaze, which can damage the local environment. 

“Our procedures and risk assessments support our crews in dealing with hazards and resolving incidents. The safety of our communities is always our priority. 

“As with all new installations and buildings, we will continue to work closely with our local council partners to ensure they do not impact on escape routes and fire exits.” 

Dame Miller has called for fire services across England to be included as consultees in planning applications for industrial lithium-ion battery storage facilities.

To comment on the application visit planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications.