New Wednesbury electricity plant gets green light

Council planners have given the go-ahead for the site, which will be almost an acre in size, to be built in Bilport Lane, to the west of the Protheroe Industrial Estate.

A small increase in noise of two decibels would arise from the plant if used during the night, planning documents state. But a three-metre high acoustic fence will surround it to reduce 'noise and visual impacts' that could hinder nearby residents.

Planners have also urged developers to pay attention to landscaping, pollution and the environmental impact of the site.

Councillors have asked residents to speak to them with any concerns.

The nearest houses are 500 metres away from the build in Eyston Avenue and Narraway Grove off Blakely Wood Road.

Councillor Bob Lloyd, who represents the Wednesbury South ward, said he had received no feedback so far.

He added: "But we want to reassure residents, as with any development, that we are more than happy to talk to them if they do have any worries.

"There are methods of making sure that potential noise and pollution is monitored, so hopefully developers will have take these into consideration.

"Anything that brings jobs or sees land being used and contributions made is a positive for the area."

The plant will be fuelled by diesel and operated by 14 gas engines.

It was first earmarked as being a suitable location in 2014 due to its electrical and gas network and 'excellent existing road access and infrastructure connections' by applicant Wednesbury Power Ltd, who are based in Southampton.

The design and access statement included in the planning application states: "The plant would allow Wednesbury Power Limited to bring a currently vacant site into active beneficial use using new efficient gas-fired power generators, and result in a disused site being brought into managed and productive use whilst also complementing and enhancing Protheroe Industrial Estate. It will provide an extremely valuable development in terms of sustainable, low-carbon energy for the locality."

The statement adds that the proposed generation facility operates only at times of high demand or stress on the network - this is not expected to be more than 1,000 hours a year, mostly during late afternoon and early evenings in winter.

As part of the permission granted, conditions including assessment of drains and a full noise report will also need to be undertaken.