Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what the responsibilities of the (a) Health and Safety Executive, (b) Environment Agency, (c) Kent Fire and Rescue Service and (d) Swale Borough Council are in certifying the safety of Cleve Hill Solar Park’s batteries.

Requirement 3 of the Cleve Hil Solar Park Order 2020 made Swale Borough Council responsible for approving the Battery Safety Management Plan after consulting with the Health and Safety Executive and Kent Fire and Rescue Service. There is no requirement for Swale Borough Council to consult with the Environment Agency. Following an appeal by the developer, The Battery Safety Management Plan was approved by the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State on 5 July 2024 after Swale Borough Council refused an application for its approval.