Development of battery storage scheme, Marchwood.
Plans to replace dilapidated industrial site, Slowhill Copse.
Addressed technical, ecological and residential challenges in planning submission.
Achieved planning permission.
Battery Storage Scheme, Slowhill Copse - Planning Permission
Battery storage scheme
Challenge
Vail Williams was appointed by a Southampton-based investor, to secure planning permission for the development of a battery storage scheme on the site of a dilapidated industrial site in Marchwood, near Slowhill Copse Water Treatment Works.
The brownfield site was home to open storage which had become surplus to requirement. The plans proposed the repurposing of the site to house the battery storage units, with energy sold back into the National Grid.
How we helped
- The site was situated adjacent to ancient woodland and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It was also directly next to a residential area.
- Undertook in-depth pre-planning investigations to ensure that both strategic and technical planning considerations were addressed in the planning submission.
- Worked with consultants to speak to concerns at the pre-planning stage – from technical plans, ecological concerns and drainage, to noise suppression and Biodiversity Net Gain requirements.
- Submitted the planning application, managing the submission through to completion.
“What we valued most about Vail Williams’ planning advice was the strategic perspective they brought to the instruction. Rather than focusing solely on the planning need, they considered the wider context, anticipating potential future challenges which enabled us to address these proactively. This holistic, forward-looking approach, underpinned by their strong technical expertise, genuinely sets them apart.”
Spokesperson on behalf of the Southampton-based investor.
Result
- New Forest District Council granted planning permission for the battery storage site in April 2025.
- Our client is now able to construct the battery storage units ahead of National Grid connection.
- Strategic planning advice also ensured that planning permission will remain in perpetuity, so as not to expire before the connection offer commences.
- The investor can begin generating income and sustainable energy from the site, whilst contributing to their own carbon net zero objectives.
Get in touch
If you think you may need similar support to that described here, or you would simply want to have an informal chat with a member of our team to discuss your property needs, get in touch.
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