Last updated on 30 June 2026
Another threat to our Green Belt land – alongside the proposed Hook Park and Chessington Golf Course developments – is Eku Energy’s proposed 240MW / 960MWh industrial‑scale battery farm (a Battery Energy Storage System, or BESS) on open countryside south of Chessington.
We recognise that BESS facilities play an important role in supporting renewable energy and keeping the UK’s electricity system stable. But where they are built matters. Large‑scale industrial infrastructure simply does not belong on protected Green Belt land.
The proposed site alongside Leatherhead Road in Chessington is rated in Kingston Council’s 2026 Green Belt Study as Very Strong for preventing London’s sprawl. A similar scheme on the same site was previously refused. Under both current and the new draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), battery storage on Green Belt is classed as inappropriate development, meaning the developer must demonstrate very special circumstances to outweigh harm.
Consultation event – 30th June, 3-7pm
In advance of submission of a planning application, Eku Energy is holding a consultation event on Tuesday 30th June, 3-7pm, at the King’s Centre, Coppard Gardens, Chessington KT9 2GZ. Do attend if you can and ask questions. Stay courteous but keep pressing for clear answers.
Key concerns and questions to raise
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Kingston’s 2026 Green Belt Study (part of the new Draft Local Plan documents) rated this parcel as Very Strong for preventing urban sprawl, Strong for protecting countryside and Not grey belt. This is some of the borough’s most important Green Belt for stopping the spread of Greater London. How does a 240MW industrial facility meet the “very special circumstances” test?
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Grid connection is not until 2037: National Energy System Operator data shows the project wouldn’t connect for 11 years. This undermines any claim of urgent need and allows time to identify non Green Belt alternatives. What non-Green Belt sites were assessed and rejected?
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No Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Kingston ruled an EIA wasn’t required for a 240MW industrial facility on protected land. Why?
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Speculative acquisition: Eku Energy bought the project from Bluestone Energy; they did not identify the site through a local needs assessment. What length of permission are they seeking, and what are the plans for decommissioning?
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‘Benefit sharing’ offers: community funding packages cannot override Green Belt harm under planning law.
What is BESS and why are they needed
A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a large set of industrial batteries that stores electricity and releases it back into the grid when needed. As the UK uses more wind and solar power, storage becomes essential because renewable energy isn’t produced evenly throughout the day.
BESS keep the grid stable by supplying power instantly when demand rises and store surplus renewable energy instead of wasting it. They reduce reliance on gas power stations, helping cut carbon emissions and improve energy security by storing homegrown electricity. BESS facilities help the UK make the most of renewable energy and keep the electricity system reliable.
How to contact the developer Eku Energy:
chessington@ekuenergy.com
www.ekuenergy.com/en/news-and-blogs/drop-in-chessington-bess
Phone: 0800 707 4183