Plans for a 75-acre battery storage system in Chickerell would be a ‘ticking timebomb’, campaigners against the controversial proposals claim.

Members of the Chickerell Action Group (CAG) held an event to encourage residents to back its campaign to stop what it claims are ‘dangerous’ plans.

Developer Statera has eyed the area between Coldharbour and the substation next to Weymouth FC for 600 shipping containers housing battery cells.

CAG claims the batteries are at risk of ‘fire and explosion’ and fear choosing this site is ‘irresponsible’ so close to a built-up area.

Another developer - Corylus - also wants to build a smaller battery storage system near Statera’s planned base, covering 0.69 hectares.

Developers say their schemes will help Dorset meet renewable energy targets, are safe from fire risk and are undergoing ‘thorough’ public consultation. 

Saturday’s public event at Emmanuel Church, Southill, saw members of the public drop by to examine information boards produced by the CAG, which claim that Statera’s site would be the size of about 40 full-size football pitches.

Member Kay Kelsall said: "We are all totally in support of new forms of renewable energy and are not climate change deniers.

"The absolute crux of our concern is a ticking timebomb on the edge of a large town which fills with tourists in the summer. 

"We understand that they [the batteries] need to be somewhere - we just don't want them to be where 53,000 people live and work."

Statera and Corylus say that the reason behind the proposed location is so the batteries can be plugged straight into the National Grid.

Storage technologies enable energy from solar and wind to be stored and then released when power is needed the most, Statera says on its dedicated website. 

But Mrs Kelsall claimed it was not 'economically viable' for developers to have the site further away, and questioned whether this was needed at all in Chickerell. 

"We want people to help us and object and be informed about what the risks are," she added.

"Some other battery sites got planning permission two or three years ago, so why are they all waiting, and do we need all of these?"

CAG members raised fears over a recent battery storage fire in Liverpool and other blazes overseas, claiming this technology is largely 'untested' and would be 'devastating' for Weymouth. 

Campaigners also claimed that in the event of a fire, smoke could reach as far as Dorchester due to the site's size and wind position. 

A spokesperson for Statera said: "Statera has been operating UK-based batteries since 2017 and has an exemplary safety record.

"Statera has conducted environmental impact studies to ensure that the proposals not only protect existing habitats where possible, but also enhance the local landscape for the benefit of wildlife and people.

"Society needs energy storage projects in order to balance the intermittency from renewable sources.

"The scheme at Chickerell would materially help Dorset meet its renewable energy target."

It is expected that Statera will submit a planning application for its scheme in July.

Earlier this year, the energy firm pulled the plug on proposals to create a huge solar farm near Chickerell.

Corylus has already submitted an application which is out for consultation.

This can be found by searching for the reference P/FUL/2023/02446 on Dorset Council's planning portal.