The firm behind plans for a new battery farm on five acres of East Lancashire woodland has issued a statement explaining why the scheme should be approved after several objections.

Root-Power (North) wants to build the complex near Oswaldtwistle, near the M65 and Lottice Brook.

The firm based in Salford has applied to Hyndburn Council for planning permission for the proposed construction of a 60-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on land at Knuzden Moss Farm off Stanhill Road.

The site lies within a parcel of woodland.

But now the CPRE Countryside Charity, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) and Lancashire County Council's Highways Department have all expressed concern at the plan to Hyndburn Council.

The Root Power North statement says: "Battery energy storage sites (BESS), such as the proposed site at Knuzden Moss Farm, are key to the renewable energy transition by providing grid balancing capabilities.

"When there is excess energy produced by renewables, the BESS will store it rather than ‘switching’ the sources off.

"When there are peak demands and not enough energy being produced by renewables, the BESS releases it into the grid so there is no shortfall.

"The proposed site in Knuzden would, in the event of a blackout, be able to power 120,000 homes in the area for two hours once complete.

"The site will also benefit biodiversity, and result in a 18.22 per cent net gain in habitat units and a 14.94 per cent net gain in watercourse units .

"The proposed scheme will also have financial benefits for the local area.

"The site in Knuzden will be subject to business rates of up to £250,000 per year payable to Hyndburn Borough Council.

"During the construction process, the local services used for, and by, the workforce are anticipated to generate another £250,000 of direct local investment."

The CPRE's objection says: "CPRE supports sustainable energy and understands that for Hyndburn and the surrounding areas to meet their energy needs in a sustainable way this might mean battery storage facilities coming forward.

"However, in this case we believe that this proposal is inappropriate and CPRE objects to the proposed development on the grounds that there is insufficient ecological information to enable your authority to determine it especially with respect to the proximity of the site to a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Site of Local Natural Biological Importance and wildlife corridor."

The Lancashire County Council objection says: "Currently we are not satisfied that sufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate the suitability of the site access."

The LFRS objection says: "LFRS are of the opinion that the applicant has not yet fully remediated the hazard on/off site that this proposed development presents."