Anna Dixon MP for Shipley, has expressed local residents' concerns over a proposed battery energy storage system in her constituency directly to the government in a meeting with the Minister for Energy.
In a private discussion with Michael Shanks MP in Westminster, Ms Dixon emphasised her support for the Government's national policies on clean energy generation while also seeking assurance that adequate safety measures are being taken in regard to BESS installations, such as the proposed development on the edge of Cullingworth Village.
The project, known as Dobby Rocks, would cover a 20-acre site, be connected to the electricity grid and have the capacity to store enough energy to power approximately 650,000 homes for two hours.
Earlier this month, Anna Dixon expressed her support for a local campaign that opposes the construction of this project, citing concerns over the site's location and the need for guarantees about safety.
The location selection has caused particular concern in the local area due to its proximity to homes and a disused landfill site containing a methane capture system.
In her meeting with the Minister, the Shipley MP shared her reasons for opposing the proposed site in Cullingworth and inquired about the government's plans for regulating such installations to ensure they are safe.
Speaking after her meeting with Mr Shanks, Anna Dixon said: “I would like to thank the minister for meeting with me today to discuss the proposed battery energy storage system in Cullingworth and the government's policy for BESS nationally.
“I strongly support the new Labour government's ambitious climate targets, including its goals for achieving net zero and its mission to become a clean energy superpower. I recognise that infrastructure, particularly battery energy storage systems, will be crucial in achieving these objectives.
“For several months, I have listened to the concerns of residents in Cullingworth and the surrounding villages about the proposed Dobby Rocks development and it was great to be able to put those directly to the government.
“I expressed my reasons to the Minister as to why I believe the proposed site for this development was not suitable.
“I would like to thank Mr Shanks for listening to the concerns that I and the people of Cullingworth have.”