Much-opposed plans for micro power plant in Chichester are refused

A proposal to build a micro power plant in Chichester, which was strongly opposed by local business owners, has been refused by the council for being unsustainable.
Business owners and residents protesting against the plansBusiness owners and residents protesting against the plans
Business owners and residents protesting against the plans

Developers had hoped to build an ‘urban reserve’ plant on Scopwick Road, which would consist of a 2.5MW generator fuelled by natural gas, with a 7m high exhaust stack.

According to the applicant, the plant would provide ‘back up’ power, generating electricity when demand was at its highest or when the generation from renewable sources fell short.

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The plans led to a protest by local business owners, who raised concerns about the impact of noise and air pollution from the plant.

They also said it was incompatible with efforts to tackle the climate emergency, which was declared by the council last year.

The council has now thrown out the plans, on the grounds that they conflict with its aims of ‘working towards achieving sustainability, emission reduction and renewable energy objectives’.

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“The proposal, by reason of the proposed use of fossil fuels, a lack of renewable energy provision and the resultant emissions, proposes an unsustainable form of development,” the council stated in its decision notice.

Another reason for refusal was the fact that the proposed site is currently home to self-storage units, which are in active use.

The application did not include any justification for the loss of these units, the decision notice stated.

More than 40 objections from local residents and businesses were registered. Chichester City Council also strongly objected to the scheme and said: “No data has been submitted supporting the need for a fossil fuel powered local power plant, which would be contrary to national and local planning policy.”

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Luke Mead, the managing director of nearby business LMS in Quarry Lane, said it was ‘really good’ news the proposal had been refused.

“From a noise and health perspective for my workforce, it means we don’t have to worry about it,” he said.

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