A site where many people have scattered loved one’s ashes is at risk of being ‘destroyed’ if a battery energy storage system (BESS) is built there, claim campaigners (Video: Sarah Leah Cobham). br br Heath Common, often described as the jewel in Wakefield’s crown, is a rural village on the edge of Wakefield. br br Wakefield Council’s planning and highways committee had unanimously voted against a recommendation to approve the scheme at Heath Common. br br The scheme could still go ahead however, after applicant Harmony Energy lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate due to a three-year delay with the council determining the application. br br A public inquiry is expected to be held over the matter later this year. br br Now villagers and historians say this area of significant historic interest could be destroyed if Harmony Energy, the company behind the BESS, is successful in their appeal. br br In response to the claims, Harmony Energy said the proposed site is not taking up any of the public land mentioned. br A spokesperson said: “The site sits between the traveller site and the substation (the latter being 3 x the size of our site). There is no direct access from the traveller site to ours; access to Heath is via a public footpath. br “Our proposals do not affect community access. Conversely, the proposals aim to increase community accessibility to the site by creating a permissive footpath to the Dame Mary Bowles Water Tower, which will also be enhanced as part of the proposals - all publicly available. br “The proposal is on private land adjacent to the substation. It is not Heath Common where the village fairs and events are held.