STOP MOUNT ROAD BESS

Following a heated debate in the House of Commons. MPs from across the political spectrum voiced concerns about the risks posed by Battery Energy Storage System fires, particularly in rural areas, and the lack of clear guidance for local authorities.

The debate, led by John Milne, Liberal Democrat MP for Horsham, highlighted the growing prevalence of BESSs as the UK accelerates its transition to renewable energy. While these systems store energy from wind and solar farms, their safety risks—especially the phenomenon of "thermal runaway"—have sparked alarm. Fires at BESS sites can burn for days, release toxic gases, and contaminate watercourses, posing significant threats to public health and the environment.

Milne called for "clear national regulations" to ensure consistent safety standards across the UK, warning that the current patchwork of guidelines leaves local planning officers grappling with complex technical issues without adequate expertise. "We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes made with cladding regulations before Grenfell," he said, urging the government to act before a major incident undermines public trust in renewable energy.

With 121 BESS sites currently operational and over 1,500 BESS applications in the pipeline, the issue is becoming increasingly urgent and will affect each and every one of us as they are COMING TO A FIELD NEAR YOU!

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION TO STOP MOUNT ROAD BESS

The debate has made clear that the current regulatory approach is fragmented and inadequate. Local planning authorities often lack the expertise to assess these complex proposals, and there is no consistent national safety standard for:

 • Fire protection
 • Environmental risk
 • Emergency access
 • Structural design
 • Community proximity

Critically, fire services are not statutory consultees, and their advice—when given—is not enforceable. There are no binding safety or environmental standards covering BESS siting, design, construction, local fire services are not properly prepared to respond to BESS-specific incidents. 
If this passes planning it will set a precedent for more BESS to be built in our village. The Drex power station on the industrial estate has stations around the country, all are surrounded by solar and wind farms and rural villages like us are devastated by the prospect of living next door to a ticking time bomb.