A proposed 49.9MW battery energy storage facility near Kenilworth that would have played a "critical role" in the rollout of renewable energy has been blocked by district planners.

Flexion Energy Storage UK had applied to build the two-acre facility on farmland south of Banner Hill Farm, with the site set to be in use for 40 years.

But a Warwick District Council report said it was "inappropriate development" in the green belt and refused to grant planning permission.

Planners also said the application lacked detail on the impact on local heritage assets and biodiversity.

"This would have a significant harmful impact on openness in spatial and visual terms to an area of strategic importance," the report said.

"Any harm to the green belt attracts substantial weight, and the landscape harm identified above also attracts significant weight."

It added: "The proposed battery storage facility does not contribute directly towards the provision of renewable energy."

When submitting the plans Flexion said the Rouncil Lane facility would have been surrounded by "green buffers" to minimise the visual impact.

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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."