The proposed Bellmoor Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near South Kilvington has understandably sparked local debate. Harmony Energy plans to build a large battery facility to support the national grid, but my constituents are rightly concerned about the loss of farmland, environmental impacts and risks associated with the site.
At the end of November, I met on-site with local residents to hear their views and concerns about the proposed site. I am working closely with Cllr Alyson Baker to ensure their voices are represented effectively.
While I do not have a formal role in deciding planning applications and therefore cannot write letters of support or objection on individual cases, I have made my position clear to the North Yorkshire Planning Authority: productive farmland should be preserved for food production rather than energy production.
I will continue to do all I can to represent constituents' views on this matter.
To submit an objection, please input here by 6th February.
