Protect Overseal Woodland: Stop Battery Storage Development in Centre of Woodland
Protect Overseal Woodland: Stop Battery Storage Development in Centre of Woodland
The Issue
We call on South Derbyshire District Council to withdraw planning consent for application DMPA/2024/1131, which threatens virgin woodland in Overseal for the development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Image: Land to be used for the development of a Battery Farm and removal of trees.
South Derbyshire District Council has granted approval for application DMPA/2024/1131, permitting the construction of a Battery Energy Storage System on a site located at Park Road, Overseal — involving both the removal of established trees and woodland thinning. This follows a public notice issued in November 2024 describing the proposal as "Erection of a Battery Storage Facility along with 8.41 Hectares of Native Woodland Habitat Enhancement" .
While enhanced habitat is mentioned, the plan actually entails the destruction of virgin woodland — a habitat that cannot be replicated once lost. Approving this infrastructure in a sensitive natural setting sets a dangerous precedent.
Image: A previous BESS Battery Storage Farm development.
⚠️ Why We Must Act
Long-Term Risk & Cumulative Damage
Even small initial developments can lead to expansion. Once infrastructure reaches virgin woodland, future proposals often follow, resulting in complete loss of natural tree cover and habitat connectivity.
National Woodland Deficit
The UK has historically low woodland cover—around 13%, far below the EU average. Every remaining patch of native woodland counts. Losing any part of it undermines broader conservation commitments.
Public Policy Contradiction
The site approval undermines both national targets under the Environment Act 2021 and local biodiversity goals. When suitable brownfield alternatives exist, these should be prioritised, not virgin woodland.
🔍 What We Demand
We call on the council to:
- Revoke consent for DMPA/2024/1131 and halt all development within the existing woodland footprint.
- Provide full transparency on ecological assessments, biodiversity net gain calculations, and statutory consultee feedback.
- Explore alternative locations for renewable energy infrastructure—especially previously developed or brownfield sites where environmental harm would be minimal.
🧠 We Support Renewable Energy — But Not at This Cost
We fully support clean energy and storage infrastructure. However, protecting irreplaceable habitats must always be the priority. Let’s develop our energy infrastructure responsibly, without sacrificing precious native woodland.
🖊️ Join Us
Add your name to help protect Overseal’s woodland and ensure the Council prioritises wildlife, nature, and long-term resilience.
→ Please sign and share this petition widely.
40
The Issue
We call on South Derbyshire District Council to withdraw planning consent for application DMPA/2024/1131, which threatens virgin woodland in Overseal for the development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
Image: Land to be used for the development of a Battery Farm and removal of trees.
South Derbyshire District Council has granted approval for application DMPA/2024/1131, permitting the construction of a Battery Energy Storage System on a site located at Park Road, Overseal — involving both the removal of established trees and woodland thinning. This follows a public notice issued in November 2024 describing the proposal as "Erection of a Battery Storage Facility along with 8.41 Hectares of Native Woodland Habitat Enhancement" .
While enhanced habitat is mentioned, the plan actually entails the destruction of virgin woodland — a habitat that cannot be replicated once lost. Approving this infrastructure in a sensitive natural setting sets a dangerous precedent.
Image: A previous BESS Battery Storage Farm development.
⚠️ Why We Must Act
Long-Term Risk & Cumulative Damage
Even small initial developments can lead to expansion. Once infrastructure reaches virgin woodland, future proposals often follow, resulting in complete loss of natural tree cover and habitat connectivity.
National Woodland Deficit
The UK has historically low woodland cover—around 13%, far below the EU average. Every remaining patch of native woodland counts. Losing any part of it undermines broader conservation commitments.
Public Policy Contradiction
The site approval undermines both national targets under the Environment Act 2021 and local biodiversity goals. When suitable brownfield alternatives exist, these should be prioritised, not virgin woodland.
🔍 What We Demand
We call on the council to:
- Revoke consent for DMPA/2024/1131 and halt all development within the existing woodland footprint.
- Provide full transparency on ecological assessments, biodiversity net gain calculations, and statutory consultee feedback.
- Explore alternative locations for renewable energy infrastructure—especially previously developed or brownfield sites where environmental harm would be minimal.
🧠 We Support Renewable Energy — But Not at This Cost
We fully support clean energy and storage infrastructure. However, protecting irreplaceable habitats must always be the priority. Let’s develop our energy infrastructure responsibly, without sacrificing precious native woodland.
🖊️ Join Us
Add your name to help protect Overseal’s woodland and ensure the Council prioritises wildlife, nature, and long-term resilience.
→ Please sign and share this petition widely.
40
The Decision Makers
Petition created on 29 July 2025