Project Overview
Offerton BESS will enhance local energy resilience and contribute to the UK’s wider Net Zero targets by storing renewable energy and helping to balance supply and demand on the grid.
The site is located within the Sunderland Green Belt, positioned off Foxcover Road and situated between two local monuments, including Hastings Hill. The project has been carefully designed to minimise landscape impact and deliver measurable biodiversity and community benefits.
PRE APPLICATION
Offerton BESS will deliver an exceptional 58% Biodiversity Net Gain.
Planning progress and community engagement
The planning application has progressed positively, with no objections from statutory consultees and a recommendation for approval at the 9th June 2025 Planning Committee.
As part of our community engagement, we have worked with local councillors and stakeholders to ensure the project responds to local priorities. In response to feedback:
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The project will contribute to upgrades to the neighbouring Public Right of Way (PRoW) used to access Hastings Hill.
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We have offered to support efforts to monitor and deter flytipping along Foxcover Road through the provision of CCTV and fencing where appropriate.
- Capacity: 38MW
- Storage: 76MWh
- Homes Powered: 76,000
- Energisation Date: Early-2027
Environmental and ecological benefits
Offerton BESS will deliver an exceptional 58% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), significantly enhancing the ecological value of the site through:
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New habitat creation
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Enhanced planting and landscape design
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Integration of biodiversity features that complement the surrounding landscape
The site’s landscape strategy ensures that the development will sit sensitively within its Green Belt context, respecting the setting of the neighbouring monuments and natural environment.
Timeline and next steps
Subject to approval at the June Planning Committee, Offerton BESS will progress toward construction and grid connection, with the aim of being operational in line with grid readiness and project milestones.
Once complete, the project will contribute to a more flexible, resilient, and sustainable energy system, delivering lasting benefits to the local community and wider region.