CAMPAIGNERS are speaking out over controversial plans to build a gas-fired electricity generation plant in Shuttleworth.

Plans submitted by UK Power Reserve Ltd to erect the ‘small scale’ plant on land at Fletcher Bank Quarry in Shuttleworth have been opposed by campaign group Ramsbottom Against the Waste Site (RAWS).

Those behind the application say the purpose of the plant will be to contribute electricity to the National Grid.

There will also be a battery which will be charged by the gas generators and will feed electricity to the Marshall’s cement manufacturing plant at times of peak demand.

The proposed generators will be housed in metal containers with a bank of radiators located on the roof to cool them together with an exhaust stack around 8 metres from ground level to allow for the dispersion of exhaust gases.

It is also proposed to install two storage tanks and other buildings, including a control room and workshop.

However, those opposing the plans say they fear the plant will create noise and pollution.

Former Ramsbottom councillor Ian Bevan, who is a committee member of RAWS, said: “We are urging residents to make their views known to the planning department at Bury Council as soon as possible as we are very concerned about the rows of potentially noisy and polluting generators that could operate for up to 25 years within the green belt and metres from the nearest homes on Green Acre Close, Whalley Road, and nearby Peel Brow Primary School.”

Similar applications, such as one in Bristol, have been rejected on air pollution grounds, and RAWS say they are currently liaising with local councillors regarding opposing the plans.

The deadline for people to comment on the proposals is July 13, 2018.

The application comes three years after plans for an anaerobic digestion food waste plant at Fletcher Bank Quarry were rejected by the government following a public inquiry and a two-year protest by RAWS.

The plans were initially refused by Bury Council in 2014, but went to an inquiry following an appeal by Peel Environmental and Marshalls Mono Ltd, who were behind the proposals.

UK Power Reserve Ltd have been approached for comment.