Controversial plans for a new power station in Leamington look set to be approved despite fierce local opposition.

Carlton Power has applied for planning permission to build a gas turbine power station just north of Tachbrook Park, but the project has met with protests from two schools, a sports club and local residents.

Warwick District Council was due to make a decision this week, but has delayed any action until they have visited the proposed site.

However, John Edwards, the council’s head of development control believes permission for the development will be granted.

He said:

"There has been a number of letters of concern, but we have looked into all of the objections they have raised and we are satisfied that the applicants have taken the necessary measures to ensure there are no adverse effects.

"Undoubtedly the development will have an impact, but the question is how much impact. It is not the sort of major power station that is going to take over the electricity supply for the town, it’s a modest facility that will top up the businesses in that area.

"We are quite satisfied that the running of the plant will be safe, there will be emissions to the atmosphere but they are well below the acceptable level for that type of facility."

If allowed, the station will lie directly across the playing fields from St Patrick’s Primary School leaving headmistress Veronica Jessamine concerned. She said:

"We are concerned about the noise from the development. There will be continuous high frequency noise and even at low levels this can be heard and as children’s hearing is more acute it could affect them.

"We are concerned about the pollution - not the fact that the area will be used for industrial purposes, we are used to that."

Among the other objectors are Kingsway Primary School and AP Sports and Social Club who have presented a petition to the council about the plans.