A RENEWABLE energy plant is to be discussed at a meeting this afternoon.

Blackrod Town councillors have backed plans for a wood-fuelled “gasification” plant in Grimeford Lane which would power local homes and businesses.

The development would be on green belt land.

Applicants Paul and Julie Downes want to demolish an old industrial building at the site and replace it with a 4,153sq metres development.

Bolton Council has received 58 letters in support of the application and 15 objection letters.

Some residents have raised concerns about what they say is a lack of information about how the process would work.

Steve Laycock, who will be speaking against the plan on behalf of the Blackrod and Horwich Environmental Action Group, said: “One of the reasons I moved to Blackrod was because of the green belt.

“I live near to the proposed development and I am stunned that this is even being considered.”

The plan is due to be discussed at a meeting of Bolton Council’s planning and highways committee at 2pm at Bolton Town Hall.