PLANS for a large battery storage facility - capable of supplying power for all 83,000 homes in York for an hour - have been given the green light by councillors.

As previously reported by The Press, applicant UK Battery Storage Ltd applied for permission to build the units on land alongside the sub-station off Hull Road in Osbaldwick.

The council’s planning committee heard the proposal will help store renewable and low-carbon energy, which will also help support future electric vehicle networks.

Paul Bailey, speaking on behalf of the applicant at the meeting on Thursday evening, said: “The facility will help balance and stabilise the national grid. Traditionally this function was performed by coal and gas power stations, which is no longer a viable option.

“This is the only site it York where this is possible.”

He added that the scheme is “critical” to secure the future of homes and businesses in the city and that the land would be returned to agricultural use in 20 to 25 years.

And, although the site lies in the Green Belt, he said it is the only land with an available grid connection and capacity.

Cllr Mark Warters said, if the scheme goes ahead, the fencing and storage units should be painted dark green and any security lighting should be reactive so the facility is not lit all night. Planning officers recommended that the application be approved, saying there are “very special circumstances” which would make the scheme acceptable.

Cllr Kallum Taylor said: “I’m reassured by the conditions put in the paper and it’s only for 25 years.”

Cllr Andy D’Agorne said: “We’re all in favour of electric cars and renewable energy. Different approaches are clearly necessary and this is one of them.”

A report prepared for the planning committee says: “While it is recognised that the proposal is not a generator of renewable energy, it will help to maximise use by storing energy in times of high production. The proposal will help to provide resilience to the UK’s electrical grid helping to facilitate the move to low carbon renewable energies.”

It say the batteries must be built next to the substation to increase efficiency and reduce the need for connection equipment.