A HUGE power plant could be built on green-belt land near Binfield and Bracknell residents and local representatives have an opportunity to have their say. 

Statera Energy has already experienced backlash to the proposed construction of a gas-fired electricity generating facility, also known as a peaking plant, on protected land close to the M4.   

The five-hectare site, located to the south-west of Howe Lane Farm, ultimately comes under the jurisdiction of The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council, but it is now seeking “observations” about the plan from Bracknell. 

One resident dubbed the proposed development “insane”. 

READ MORE: Five Guys to replace Bill's at Bracknell's The Lexicon

“We are in the midst of a climate crisis, we have to reach zero carbon much sooner than 2050,” they added. 

If approved, the company hopes it will generate nearly 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity and back up future renewable energy sources with natural gas and hydrogen to ensure the power generated is reliable, has a low carbon footprint, and is affordable for consumers.   

Statera Energy believes the impact on the green belt to be “limited” as there are no heritage sites affected, the size of the site is restricted, and the encroachment into the countryside is “not unnecessary or unwarranted’.  

Waltham Parish Council suggests the proposal is “obviously a massive intrusion” into the Green Belt and “should be resisted”. 

READ MORE: Wokingham parking fee rises confirmed

The development comprises four 12.5 MW gas reciprocating engines with each engine block feeding electricity into a small substation that is connected to the existing overhead distribution line. There would also be a new below-ground gas pipe connection into the existing high-pressure gas main, enclosed within a detached compound.   

The Environment Agency has objected to the plans, concluding that its proximity to the River Cut poses “risks of pollution” to the surface water quality and “likely adverse impacts” upon the habitats and species of the watercourse.  

Previous plans were also met with resistance from residents and subsequently refused due to the impact it would have on the greenbelt in lieu of a ‘very special circumstance’ to override the harm.  

READ MORE: Wokingham Council to stop free food bin liner supply

Windsor and Maidenhead residents have re-submitted their concerns against the latest submission, decrying it as ‘glaringly inappropriate’ for an industrial building to be constructed on the greenbelt.  

One local said it was with ‘horror’ that the plans made a comeback. 

“This land should be preserved for the enjoyment of our descendants and the good of our species, not scarred and turned into yet another blot on the landscape that we seem hell-bent on creating,” they added. 

Any comments must be submitted by November 21 against the application on the council’s planning portal.