Proposals are being put together for a 5-acre electricity storage facility – capable of powering thousands of homes – near Brown Edge.

Biddulph Nub News reported recently how the project was revealed after a screening opinion for an environmental impact assessment was submitted to the district council.

Renewable energy specialist Anesco wants to submit a planning application for a battery storage system on land off Bemersley Road.

The company says: "It is our intention to submit a planning application for the development of a Battery Storage Solution System (BESS) capable of importing and exporting approximately 50 Megawatts (MW) of electricity for 40 years.

"This would have the capacity to power around 13,052 average homes per annum."

The plans will include the installation of 14 energy storage cabinets, with a cooling system and safety equipment, plus an access track and security fencing around the site.

The site is not within an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) or a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).

It is, however, within the Stoke-on-Trent greenbelt zone.

Anesco has pledged to carry out an assessment as part of its planning application to determine how it will screen the site.

The company says it will also carry out hedgerow planting, and scatter a wildflower meadow seed mix throughout the site – if the project is given the go-ahead.

The firm says it hopes to improve the biodiversity of the area – which Coal Authority records indicate is likely to have seen shallow coal mining take place historically.

As part of a formal planning application, Anesco will have to submit a coal mining risk assessment which considers the risks posed by any coal mining legacy within the site.

The plans are thought to be the only energy storage project of this type in the area, and it will mean electricity can be stored ready for use, and available to meet demand whenever needed.

The facility could also help to regulate the levels of electricity coming from the national network during peak times.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council environmental health officers said if the plans proceed there should be safeguards put in place to prevent any battery corrosion or leakage.

They recommended that Stoke-on-Trent City Council also be consulted on the application as it is near the border between the two authorities.

Severn Trent said they have no objections to the proposals, provided suitable drainage plans are submitted and approved before the scheme goes ahead.