Plans to build a 49.9MW battery energy storage facility near Kenilworth have been submitted to Warwick District Council.

Flexion Energy Storage UK has applied to build the two acre facility on farm land south of Banner Hill Farm to "play a critical role" in the rollout of renewable energy across the country.

If approved, the scheme will see rows of 2.8metre high battery units installed, with a control room, 'welfare cabin' and transformer compound also built on the the green belt site.

Proposed to be in place for 40 years, Flexion said the Rouncil Lane facility will: "Assist National Grid in the effective operation of the national electricity network and ease the transition from fossil fuel energy generation to a purely renewable system."

The application added: "Whilst not generating renewable energy in its own right, the development will play a critical role in supporting the deployment and efficient operation of renewable generation and ensuring that there is minimal waste of energy generated."

The proposal also says extensive pre-application discussion was held with the district council over the design.

Planned to take 30 weeks to construct, the facility will also include "green buffers to reduce the potential for visual impact".

The application said the site "will make a significant contribution to the transition to a renewable energy system and the delivery of the UK's 2050 net zero target, in addition to WDC's commitments as part of their climate change declaration".

The facility could be built on farmland off Rouncil Lane (Image via planning application)