Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that proposals to bring Battery Energy Storage Systems within the Environmental Permitting Regulations include requirements for (a) effective regulatory oversight and compliance with Battery Safety Management Plans and (b) consultation with residents living in close proximity to approved Battery Energy Storage System developments on those plans.

Defra is making progress with proposals to include Battery Energy Storage Systems within the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPRs). Officials have met with a range of key stakeholders to define potential thresholds and regulatory requirements. Applications for permits under EPRs are subject to a consultation process.