PLANS to build a battery energy storage facility in Stratton faces some opposition.

The application proposes constructing a building, substation, underground cabling, landscaping, access track, biodiversity enhancements and ancillary infrastructure and equipment -including CCTV, a 2.4m-high security fence and gates.

This would be on land north of Kingsdown Road and west of Catsbrain Farm.

Stratton St Margaret Parish Council recommended that the plans be refused by the borough authority.

They brought up the Ecology Report's findings, which argued that "substantially more ecology information is needed" about the impact of the development on the area, that bats may be affected by the proposed battery cooling fans, and that the site layout does not comply with Natural England guidance.

The report added: "The applicants will need to demonstrate that there will be no loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees)."

Councillors highlighted the fact that the site is an ancient woodland and habitat which is outside of the Swindon urban area and is classed as countryside.

There was also a comment around the extra battery storage and that another location would be more suitable.

The application was submitted in July.

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