Yes, the BESS technology that we use is modern, and extremely safe. We build to the latest guidelines, and consult with fire services throughout the planning process.

All units are fully containerised and contain individual fire suppression systems.

We will complete a full noise assessment, the results of which will be available for comment once the planning application has been submitted.

From past experience, we do not expect any noise to exceed background levels, which means that it would not be audible.

Our planning application is for a maximum of 40 years. After this the units will be recycled and the land would be reverted to its previous use.

There would be increased traffic movement while the site is being installed, and for the first couple of years there may be distant glimpses of it from the road and footpath.

Enhanced hedgerows and habitat creation would increase wildlife in the area.

We would pay annually into a community benefit endowment, likely to be managed by Sussex Community Foundation. Please contact us if you would like to nominate a cause and we’d love to chat.

Yes!

We would pay annually into a community benefit endowment, which is likely to be managed by Sussex Community Foundation. Please contact us if you would like to nominate a cause and we’d love to chat.

No, this project comes subsidy free. Although it is paid for privately, the benefits are for the British public.

BESS sites need to be close to a substation. This one would work in conjunction with the new National Grid substation at the junction of Eastbourne Road with the A22.

Every substation will require a BESS as the electricity network modernises over the coming years.

No. A full flood and drainage strategy will be submitted with the planning application, but we do not expect the development to have any affect on local flood risk.

Lightrock Power take ecology seriously. We have partnerships with both the RSPB and Buglife, who advise us on how to achieve the biggest biodiversity net gain.

We also work with other wildlife organisations where relevant, such as the Wildlife Trusts and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

If you would like to talk to us about local wildlife please contact us.

In the past, batteries and transformers have been air-cooled by fans, which could create noise. New technology means that the infrastructure can be liquid cooled, which is much quieter.

As agreed with the council, we’ve undertaken a baseline assessment to determine the current background noise levels. Each unit that we install has an associated decibel level, and so from that, we can work out distances that the site can be heard from. We don’t expect it to be audible from any local properties.

We’ll follow the local authority’s recommendations, including submitting a Noise Impact Assessment with the application. If attenuation is required, we would be able to install acoustic fencing.

We won’t know the exact number of daily vehicles until the design is complete. We hope to complete the design by early Summer, once the community consultation has come to an end, and any resulting changes have been made.

The current plan is for HGVs to follow the A22, B2192, Palehouse Common, and down Sand Hill Lane, approaching the Site from the north.

Our Landscape Architect will write a full Landscape and Visual Appraisal, which will determine exactly what implications there are, and where additional screening is required. We’re also working closely with a heritage consultant and ecologist to ensure suitable vegetative screening. All our infrastructure will be lower than the existing pylons, and the vast majority is lower than the hedges that surround it. Our landscape methodology and viewpoints for assessment have been agreed with the council.

Yes, we have considered other locations.

The primary reason for choosing this site is its proximity to the substation.

Existing physical infrastructure limits where we can build, for example we would not be able to cross the A22 with a connection cable.

We’re working closely with the Fire and Rescue Service, and are engaging a qualified fire engineer to ensure we are following all relevant guidance. There’ll be two points of entry, two large water tanks on-site to provide double the amount of water the NFCC guidance recommends, and the infrastructure will be separated to the distance recommended in the NFCC guidance. The BESS units themselves have fire detection and suppression systems, and the Site will be monitored 24/7 via inward-facing CCTV.

Yes.

The new National Grid substation works with the transmission network; this is high level and transports electricity around the whole country. The distribution network delivers electricity to your homes and businesses. Stable Green Energy will connect into both the transmission and distribution networks, which means that it will supply grid stabilising services to both the national and local infrastructure.

Yes, they do have the resources.

The local fire service will use water to cool the surrounding BESS units, to ensure that the fire does not spread.

The National Grid are still building the new substation. Local people are already familiar with it and have a good understanding. We didn’t want to unfairly represent a project that isn’t yet there.

Yes, we’ve had a pre-app meeting and follow up commentary. They don’t like to say if they’re supportive or not at this stage, as they don’t have the full design, but once the application has been finalised they will cross reference the documents with their policies and decide whether to recommend it for approval or refusal.

They did emphasise that they are supportive of projects that help to decarbonise the economy.

The land in that field is all grade 3b, which means it’s not the best and most versatile soil. Any water crossing will be done sensitively to wetland habitat, however we will ensure our access avoids crossing watercourses if possible. If any trees require pruning it will always occur outside of nesting season.

The final technology hasn’t been confirmed. As battery technology progresses quickly we’ll remain flexible to ensure the most efficient outcome for the space that we have.

BESS forms part of the pathway to a green economy. BESS systems don’t generate electricity themselves, but rather store it during times of overproduction, to release to the grid when its needed. Without BESS, electricity generated by solar farms could only be used during daylight, and wind farms only when there were wind.

The BESS will be connected to the new National Grid substation rather than any particular solar or wind farm. That means all local renewable energy projects will benefit from Stable Green Energy.

Our application will be submitted with a Transport Statement and Construction Traffic Management Plan. We are legally obliged to repair any damage caused to roads during construction.