How you can help
Please consider contacting the local council, using our template to support the objection of this development.
Deadline for objections: Monday 21 October 2024
Hertsmere are reconsulting with the public – EVEN IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY OBJECTED PLEASE OBJECT AGAIN TO THESE REVISIONS BY 21 OCTOBER. The scheme is still inappropriate development in the Green Belt. This BESS will still be one of the biggest in the World with significant risks of fire and unacceptable noise levels.
A new revised proposal has been made to develop a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) located in the land adjacent to Bhaktivedanta Manor. There is a shared concern between the local villagers in Letchmore Heath and Bhaktivedanta Manor that this development would bring about many issues, primarily that of noise pollution.
Due to the close proximity of the proposed development, it would destroy the tranquillity and serenity of the Temple for which it is internationally and nationally acknowledged and renowned.
As well as noise pollution, there is also a concern of risk to our visitors and residents health, and also the risk of major accidents, such as fire, as these systems can malfunction and lead to intense fires, posing significant harm to the environment, residents and cows.
Whilst Bhaktivedanta Manor acknowledges the need for battery storage systems, the concerns about the proximity to a spiritual oasis, and a quiet village environment leaves us to deem this location not suitable for the development of a Battery Energy Storage System.
In Summary
The Manor, a tranquil religious site, is situated next to the proposed development, and the applicant has shown insufficient regard for its impact on this sacred space. Key concerns include:
Danger to our Cows & Bulls: The threat of fire from BESS is not negligible. In the event of a fire, toxic fumes, heat, and emergency responses would jeopardize the safety of the cows and bulls. Any fire incident could devastate the herd, causing severe harm or even death.
Lack of Consultation: The applicant has not visited or consulted with the Manor, standing only outside its estate. This has led to an inadequate understanding of its operations and needs.
Noise and Environmental Impact: In line with Para.191 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the impact of noise on the Manor’s peaceful environment, which is vital for its meditative activities and sacred cattle, is deemed unacceptable. The site’s tranquillity, crucial for both spiritual practices and dairy production, could be significantly disturbed by noise from the new development.
Visual Disruption: Para.193 of the NPPF emphasizes that new developments should integrate with existing businesses and community facilities, such as places of worship. The Manor’s shrine rooms, located on the first floor of the Grade II listed house, overlook the development site. No screening can effectively block the view of the project, which would disrupt the spiritual sanctity of the area.
Traffic Issues: The applicant’s traffic management plan is inadequate, particularly on festival days when roads become gridlocked. The concerns over emergency vehicle access to the development site during these times have not been adequately addressed.
Fire Risk: The potential for fire hazards linked to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is a major concern. Any fire incident could not only harm the environment but also endanger nearby sacred sites and local wildlife, including the Manor’s cattle.
Noise Pollution: Continuous operational noise from the BESS could severely disturb the peaceful surroundings of the Manor. This would not only disrupt the religious and meditative practices but also negatively impact the health of the sacred dairy herd.
Landscape and Visual Impact: The development would visually alter the landscape. Even with screening efforts, the Manor’s shrine rooms will have clear views over the site, diminishing the spiritual and aesthetic quality of the area.
Green Belt Considerations: The proposed site lies within the Green Belt, a protected area intended to prevent urban sprawl and preserve open countryside. The development could conflict with policies aimed at safeguarding this land for environmental and recreational purposes, further supporting the case for rejection.
Bhaktivedanta Manor, therefore, finds the applicant’s proposals unsuitable and urges the Council to reject the application, citing both the noise and visual impact as well as traffic concerns that could negatively affect the Manor’s sacred operations.
How you can help
Please consider contacting the local council, using our template to support the objection of this development.
Deadline for objections: Monday 21 October 2024
If you wish to copy and paste the email template, see below:
Please email: consult.planning@hertsmere.gov.uk
Subject: Objection to BESS Development, Hertfordshire (23/1508/OUT)
Template:
Dear Sir / Madam,
Reference: 23/1508/OUT
I am a local resident / regular visitor to Bhaktivedanta Manor.
I am writing to state my objection to the proposed development of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on the land to the rear of the Electricity Station, Hilfield Lane, Aldenham, Hertfordshire.
I am concerned about the impact of the noise pollution on the local Hare Krishna Temple and the residents in the nearby village, ruining the peace and quiet of the area. The risk of a major accident is also of concern. Most importantly, any fire or incident would affect or even cause death to our cows and bulls which are sacred in our religion and culture.
Kind regards,
[Name]
[Address]
If you wish to object via letter in the post, please send to:
Emily Stafford
Planning Department
Civic Offices
Hertsmere Borough Council
Elstree Way
Borehamwood
Herts
WD6 1WA