​A major energy storage project in Twineham, West Sussex, has received unanimous approval from Mid Sussex District Council, despite local opposition and concerns over its impact on nearby residents. The 27-acre site, which is set to be developed by One Planet Developments, will store surplus electricity generated from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, to be released when demand peaks.

Situated at Coombe Farm on Bob Lane, the storage facility has sparked controversy due to its proximity to residential areas and its potential interference with the planned Rampion 2 cable route. This route is essential to the future expansion of the Rampion windfarm near Brighton, and local councils, including Twineham and Bolney Parish Councils, have expressed concerns over how the new facility could complicate these plans.

The chairman of the planning committee acknowledged that the application's timing was contentious, given the unresolved status of the Rampion 2 expansion. However, council officials confirmed that this issue could not be considered grounds for delaying the decision. While the planning committee recognised the concerns of nearby residents, it ultimately deferred to the technical advice that such energy storage facilities should be located near substations to minimise power loss.

The development has been framed as essential to the UK's shift towards renewable energy, with One Planet Developments emphasising the risk of inadequate energy security without storage sites like the one proposed. The company pointed out that energy storage solutions reduce the need for fossil fuel-based power stations by ensuring reliable supply from renewables.

The project must begin within the next seven years, reflecting its complexity. West Sussex Fire and Rescue raised no safety concerns, clearing a significant regulatory hurdle and paving the way for construction to proceed despite local objections.