The move follows news that three controversial planning applications for diesel-powered stations on SWEB land in Lockleaze (Romney Avenue) and Lawrence Hill (Feeder Road) have been withdrawn.
They had been due to be determined by the Development Control ‘B’ Committee on 9th December but the applicants appear to have taken this decision in light of recommendations to refuse, and the high level of public opposition their proposals have attracted. Planners had concluded that there were grounds to reject on the basis of impact on air quality and the risk of harm to human health for those living near to these sites.
However, plans for a gas-powered standby electricity plan in Ashley (Gatton Road) are still set to be considered by the above Committee next Wednesday. Consequently, the Conservative Group believe it necessary for planning officers to be made aware of how Members from right across the political divide stand on this issue.
Cllr Weston (Henbury & Brentry) said: “Together with my colleagues in the Conservative Group, I am very concerned about the sudden proliferation in planning applications of this kind.
“In this day and age, it is neither sensible nor reasonable to expect these installations to be located in densely population places or near to residential properties.
“The withdrawal of the diesel generator plans is a shrewd move on the part of the applicants as the writing was clearly on the wall in those cases.
“However, this appears to be the first wave of proposals of this nature which need to be either nipped in the bud or encouraged to be set in locations well away from people. I hope this resolution helps to lay down a marker on this issue.
Conservative Mayoral Candidate Charles Lucas, who was critical of the original plans added: “Whilst I appreciate the pressing need for increasing the country’s generating capacity as a result of rapid rates in decommissioning many of our traditional power stations, it is absolutely crucial that appropriate sites are chosen for back-up plants.
“As this resolution makes clear, our preference is for them to be put into remote industrial estates where they can be called into action at peak demand periods without disturbing or damaging site neighbours.”