Bunhill mini-power station go-ahead ‘a stitch-up’

Published: 17th June, 2011
by ANDREW JOHNSON

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a £4.2million mini-power station – described as a “monstrous edifice” in the middle of an estate – were approved on Tuesday despite claims that it would take up valuable open space.

Angry objectors later described the decision to approve proposals for the combined heat and power (CHP) station as a “stitch-up”.

“The council are the applicant and also give permission,” said Matthew Ingram, speaking on behalf of Mitchell Street and Central Street Residents’ Association in Bunhill.

“The council have a grant to build one of these things somewhere and if they don’t they will lose the money. It’s only going to provide power to 39 homes. We were stitched up. 

“This is going to be built on a car park. We’re not attached to a car park, of course, but it’s an erosion of open space and we’d rather see it used as such.”

The CHP is seen as an environmentally friendly way to provide heat and power to Stafford Cripps, St Luke’s and Redbrick estates. Planners hope to minimise the impact of the power station tower by cladding it in oak and surrounding it with trees.

Leo Chapman, of Peabody Estate Residents’ Association in nearby Whitecross Street, said the water tank would rise to 46 feet and a ventilation pipe a further 20 feet, meaning it would tower over nearby buildings.

“The open space has to be seen as one green space,” he said. 

“Four football pitches, a nursery site, car park and Paton Street create a total of about three acres.  

“This should not be built on, particularly as 500 flats are being built diagonally opposite, to house 1,000 people.”