Controversy Surrounds New Battery Plant Near Tourism Hotspot

A new battery plant is set to be constructed in Slimbridge, despite concerns raised about safety and its proximity to a popular tourist attraction. Developers Relay Slimbridge Ltd assured the Stroud District Council that thorough ecological assessments had been carried out, and they would collaborate with fire experts to establish an evacuation plan. The proposed development will occupy approximately two acres within an eight-acre site located northeast of Kingston Road. This news, reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, has triggered mixed reactions from the local community and officials. Ward councillor Lindsey Green highlighted the existing traffic congestion in the vicinity, emphasizing the challenges posed by the plant's precarious access routes. She pointed out the proximity of significant attractions such as the Wildlife and Wetland Trust Slimbridge, a renowned tourist destination capable of hosting thousands of visitors daily, as well as a caravan park, pubs, and other establishments that draw substantial crowds. Expressing concerns about safety, Gary Haseley-Nejrup from the Wildlife and Wetland Trust raised fears regarding the potential fire hazards posed by the battery plant. He questioned the feasibility of evacuating thousands of visitors and staff in the event of a fire or the release of toxic fumes. In response, Joe Bennett of RCA Regeneration Limited, representing the applicant, sought to allay fears by citing the extensive ecological assessments and bird surveys conducted on the site. He emphasized the track record of similar installations in the UK, noting that only one incident had occurred in 18 years with no significant consequences. Despite the safety concerns, the development control committee voted in favor of approving the plans, with ten members supporting the decision and two abstaining from the vote. This outcome has sparked further debate within the community regarding the balance between economic development and environmental and public safety considerations. As discussions continue surrounding the construction of the Slimbridge battery plant, stakeholders on all sides are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the interests of the community and the environment are adequately safeguarded.