Have your say on proposed new battery storage facility

NatPower UK has launched a consultation on proposals for a 28‑hectare site between Redbridge Railway Station and the River Test.

The project, which is at the pre‑planning application stage, involves building a 1GW battery energy storage system.

A public event was held last week and the company is encouraging residents to share their views before the consultation closes on Friday, July 3.

John Sturman, managing director at NatPower UK, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who has engaged with the consultation so far.

“Given last week’s exceptionally hot weather, we recognise that some people may have been unable to attend our consultation event.

“We’d encourage anyone who wasn’t able to join us to visit our website, explore the virtual exhibition and share their feedback before the consultation closes later this week.”

Mr Sturman added: “We’re committed to continuing to engage with the local community and look forward to providing further opportunities for residents to get involved after the summer.”

The proposed energy storage facility would feature 512 battery units on land currently used for the temporary vehicle storage.

It would take around 18 months to build, subject to securing planning permission, and could operate for up to 40 years.

As part of the consultation, NatPower UK is inviting residents to share ideas for how its Evogea foundation could support sustainability projects in Southampton.

The virtual exhibition and online questionnaire can be found at southamptonbatterystorage.natpower.uk. Residents can also email projects.info@natpower.uk or call 0800 999 8859.

NatPower UK said feedback from the consultation will inform the proposals ahead of a planning application.