A resident is continuing to fight against a proposed emergency power unit being built on a well-used community field known for its wildlife.

Plans were submitted by Electric Land in April last year to build the emergency power generator in Slack Lane, Westhoughton.

The proposed battery system would ensure the supply of electricity at the point of demand so there is no waste, and developers claim this will help the environment.

But campaigner Amanda Armstrong created a permission last year, and it has now amassed around 300 signatures from neighbours in the area, and other residents who do not agree with the plans.

Amanda says that her main concern is how well-used it is in the area by dog walkers and those in the area, as well as the wildlife, and potential dangers of fires.

The Bolton News:

She said: “It was a wildlife corridor a few years ago.

“There aren’t much green spaces people can walk to, and for a lot of people - especially some of the elderly people – it’s part of their history.

“It is the last piece of green space we can go to around here and it’s important we keep some of it.

“It is used by lot of dog walkers and people socialise there with their dogs, and people enjoy fishing there too.

“It means something to me and it’s a lovely open and calm space.

“I think there are better suited spaces to build this on.”

Amanda is also concerned over the potential health and safety concerns that the unit might create, following an electrical unit fire in Liverpool a few years ago.

Cllr Martin Tighe, who represents the area, said: “I have done quite a lot of research and have been meeting with developers and have been contacted by a number of residents in opposition to it over the wildlife and community aspect.

The Bolton News:

“It sounds like a very good idea, and it is a solution in line with the Government guidelines on Net Zero, but after speaking to the residents from a safety aspect there are concerns with what happened in Liverpool.

“And I don’t think this is a good site for this kind of development.”

Electric Land, which submitted the plans, say that they have taken a lot of local resident feedback on board, with plans expected to include biodiversity, and considerations taking in fire safety aspects.

They also explained that the development will also only take up a section of the field, and that the community will have better access to the pond.

Amanda is currently in the process of arranging a meeting with residents concerned about this, where they will discuss their findings, including concerns over marsh orchids, and a possible underground water section.

For those interested in attending a residents meeting contact Amanda at armstrongamanda20@gmail.com.

Read Electric Land’s full statement below:

A spokesperson for Electric Land said: “These proposals will help to support and manage the supply of renewable energy in the area, providing energy security as well as assisting with the UK’s energy security in the path to Net Zero, in these challenging times.

 “As part of the proposals, Electric Land has taken on board the comments of the local residents and has included in their plans the enhancement of the biodiversity of the site, including by managing the invasive species present such as Japanese Knotweed, creating more suitable ecosystems for orchids and native species, as well as footpaths for the benefit of the local residents. 

“The proposed development itself only takes a small portion of the overall site and wider space. 

“The local community will also be able to use and have better access to the pond on site.

 “Electric Land takes health and safety very seriously both from seeking to protect its employees and assets as well as protecting the local community. 

“The proposed development has been designed by accredited and experienced electrical designers to conform with current standards and to the satisfaction of investors, insurance and independent third-party technical advisors. 

“The selected manufacturer’s equipment will be compliant with fire safety regulations for battery systems.

 “The proposed modular system is more controllable and early, targeted shut-down is more effective than can be found in containerised or building systems.

 “Each module includes smoke detectors and thermally activated aerosol fire suppression equipment.

“Continuous heat monitoring and data collection via the remote monitoring system is the most effective means of identifying any thermal event at the earliest possible moment, thus avoiding smoke or other off-gassing or electrolyte vapour.

 “Electric Land reached out to local residents via letter in May and all enquiries raised by the local residents have been addressed, they invite anyone who wishes to learn more about this proposal to get in touch.” 

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.