Protect the Pelhams

03/03/2026

STOCKING PELHAM CRABB'S LANE BATTERY STORAGE

The developer's are still trying to build this huge battery storage site in the middle of the village !

PUBLIC HEARING: 31ST MARCH
The date for the appeal hearing with the Planning Inspectorate has been set for Tuesday 31st March 2026, from 10am. The venue is TBC but likely to be at the East Herts' council offices in Hertford.

This is a public informal hearing, and there is no limit to the number of people who can speak. Speakers are requested to be concise, avoid repeating written evidence, and address all comments through the Inspector.

DEADLINE FOR WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS: 9TH MARCH
At the hearing priority will be given to issues raised in submissions made before midnight on Monday 9th March 2026. Comments need to be submitted through the following site:

https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/appeals/6002620

Appeal Reference: 6002620

Please note that the developer / appellant has submitted new documents - please refer to their Statement of Case and other associated documents, which anyone can comment on. These can all be found on the East Hert's planning site:

https://publicaccess.eastherts.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage

Planning Reference: 3/22/0806/FUL

Please support local residents and the parish council in objecting to this development, in writing before Mon 9th March, and in person at the hearing on Tue 31st March.

09/08/2025

⚠️ Dellows BESS – Have Your Say

A planning application has been submitted for a large lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Dellows, right on our doorstep. This is a major industrial development that could have a lasting impact on Stocking Pelham’s character, safety, and environment.

We need as many individual objections as possible. The council takes note when residents raise their own points in their own words. Please do not copy and paste. Instead, use the issues below as inspiration and explain them in your own way.

How to object:

Visit the East Herts planning portal: https://publicaccess.eastherts.gov.uk/online-applications/
Search for application ref: 3/25/0917/FUL

Click “Comment on this application”
Submit before 14th August – one letter per adult in your household

Key issues you may want to raise:

Village character: This is a small, historic village with listed and vernacular buildings. The scale and nature of the proposal would change its character and is contrary to EHDC’s own village and landscape policies.

Landscape harm: The council’s own assessments say this area is valued countryside. A similar scheme at Crabbs Green was refused because the harm outweighed the benefits.

Cumulative impact: There are seven energy projects within 0.75 miles of the substation. The applicant has not considered the combined visual, traffic, and construction effects, despite national guidance requiring it.

Safety risks: Large lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, and release toxic gases. Fires can burn for days and are difficult to control. There are no clear UK safety regulations for siting, distances, or firefighting standards for BESS facilities. The water provision in the local area is half what is recommended from the National Fire Chief Council.

Health & air quality: Burning lithium batteries can produce harmful chemicals like hydrofluoric acid. National planning policy requires councils to protect public safety – yet this application lacks a clear risk assessment approved by Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue.

Policy conflict: The proposal goes against East Herts District Plan policies on village scale, landscape protection, renewable energy siting, and human health.

When writing your objection:

Keep it polite and focused on planning reasons (not just opinions).

Make it personal – explain how it affects you or the village.

Mention the application number and your address.

This is our chance to speak up before a decision is made. A strong, informed community response can make a real difference.

Search for Planning Applications and Appeals by keyword, application reference, postcode or by a single line of an address.

23/06/2025

Good news!!

23/06/2025

HOT NEWS!!

Crabbs Green Battery has been refused!!

On the basis that its location would result in significant increase noise disturbance to neighbouring properties, negatively impacting health, wellbeing and amenities contrary to East Herts District Plan. In addition it would harm landscape character in conflict with policy DES2 and CC3 (b). These negative impacts are considered to outweigh the benefits of the proposals in terms of renewable energy infrastructure having regard to NPPF paragraph 168. As such the development fails to constitute sustainable develelopment and is therefore, in conflict with paragraph 11 (d) (ii) of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Thank you to all of you for your support and objections!!

06/06/2025

Suffolk fire service are concerned about fire risk at the large BESS farm proposal. Perhaps Herts & Essex fire service should take note!

A deputy chief fire officer says there should be tougher safety rules at battery energy storage sites.

16/02/2025

Interesting video on the recent Moss Landing BESS fire!

Book Training Today: https://www.stachedtraining.comOn January 16, 2025, a massive fire broke out at the Moss Landing Battery Energy Storage System, burning ...