Locals are expressing concern about a new planning application in the heart of Broughton (Ref. 12/01156/FUL).
Zonal Retail Data Systems Ltd, based at 24 Forth Street, want to instal 'an auxiliary back-up electricity generator' behind 18 Forth Street. The plant would be contained within a featureless box (or, according to the manufacturer, the 'striking and intelligent design' of 'a modular acoustic enclosure'), but our photograph gives an impression of the throbbing beast itself.
Hart Street resident Gordon Grosset describes the generator as 'quite large and noisy' (78.3 decibels at 1m in free field conditions, and measuring 3.52m long by 1.815m high by1.32m wide). He is worried about possible vibration, smell and fuel storage issues, and by the prospect of it being used at any time of the day or night.
Speaking for like-minded neighbours, he says: 'We are concerned that this will have a detrimental effect on the very peaceful environment to all flats that back onto the garden area enclosed by Forth Street, Hart Street, East Broughton Place and Union Street'.
Any comments or objections should be lodged with the Council's Planning Department by Friday 25 May.