HOUSE OF COMMONS LONDON SW1A AA

[Address redacted]

Friday, 8th May 2025

Dear [name redacted],

I am writing to you regarding a planning application near you, which may be of interest. A developer has applied to build an industrial energy storage facility with up to 200 lithium-ion battery units on farmland adjacent to North Cray Road. The site sits between Parsonage Lane and Honeydale Farm on the London Borough of Bexley’s green belt.

The developer is attempting to argue that these green fields are ‘grey belt’ despite them being high-quality agricultural land. This is a new term created by the Government’s planning changes to allow development on green belt land against local wishes that previously would have been rejected under planning law.

This development is inappropriate and unsafe. This land is important for the setting and special character of North Cray, and an industrial site of this nature would be inappropriate on what is otherwise open farmland locally. There is also insufficient access for the London Fire Brigade, should there be a battery fire.

I have set out my concerns in full on my website: www.louiefrench.org.uk/news. I will also be submitting a formal objection on behalf of residents soon. I urge you to have your say on the application by the deadline of Thursday, 22d May 2025.

The full application can be found on Bexley Council’s website using the following reference number and the search function under ‘view and comment on planning applications’: www.bexley.gov.uk/services/planning-and-building-control and 25/00833/FULM. You can also email comments to [email protected].

Yours sincerely,

[Signature]

Louie French,

Member of Parliament for Old Bexley, Sidcup and Welling.