To whom it may concern,
Greetings. I am writing on behalf of the Wirral Residents Association, a community pressure group opposed both in principle and on grounds of siting to the proposed industrial solar farm on land adjacent to Rose Cottage, Thurstaston.
A recent review of the developer’s submission to Wirral Council has revealed a notable omission: there is no mention of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which are essential for the functionality of such solar developments. Given that BESS are typically integral to the project’s revenue model and grid integration, their absence from the planning documents raises serious concerns.
As an electrical engineer, I understand that large-scale lithium-ion BESS pose documented risks, including thermal runaway, fire, explosion, and the release of toxic fumes—risks highlighted in incidents such as the Moss Landing fire and acknowledged in UK parliamentary debates and guidance from the House of Commons Library. Current UK regulations do not specifically mandate BESS safety legislation, relying instead on general fire and health and safety laws, which some experts argue are insufficient.
It is our concern that this omission may be strategic—intended to bypass scrutiny by non-specialist councillors—with the intention of adding BESS at a later stage without proper public consultation or updated environmental impact assessment. This would undermine transparency and community safety.
Wirral Residents Association will be conducting a public outreach event this Saturday, 10th January 2026, meeting at the Morrisons Car Park on Dee Lane before moving to engage with local residents. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with your organisation and invite your representatives to join us.
Best regards,
Paul Cardin
Wirral Residents Association
Wirral In It Together 