A PUBLIC meeting has been called so residents can air their views about a controversial plan to build a power plant on the outskirts of Stockton.

Local MP Alex Cunningham has organised the event after being inundated with complaints from residents who are concerned about the environmental impact of the proposed development at High Middlefield Farm, Thorpe Thewles.

Stratera Energy has submitted plans to Stockton Borough Council for the 2.67 hectare development which will include 33 exhaust stacks with the aim of delivering electricity to the UK during peak demand.

Once up and running it could generate enough electricity to power 50,000 homes.

However, Stockton North MP Mr Cunningham said the plan has raised a significant amount of concern from nearby residents.

He said: “I have received more objections to this project than any other over the last six years and was concerned to hear some local people said they had seen no details about what was proposed for the farm and what it would mean to their local area and the environment.

“I’m therefore very pleased that the company and the planning authority have agreed to send representatives to the meeting on Friday evening to provide local people with an opportunity of learning more about the project, answer their questions and listen to their views.”

Dozens of objections to the proposal have been submitted to the council.

Residents living in the area have raised concerns over the amount of noise and fumes that could be generated from the plant.

Fears have also been raised over the potential impact on wildlife and the surrounding environment.

Statera’s application said an assessment of all habitats on site and in the surrounding area was conducted to determine their ecological importance to protected species.

It said the surveyed area was found to be of “low ecological value” with the main site being of low value for protected species, with no signs of activity of protected species and low habitat suitability for most species.

The site, which is currently used for a horse paddock, is on land just off the A177 Durham Road.

The public meeting will be held in Grindon Parish Hall at 7.15pm on Friday, October 14 and the man behind the proposal, Oliver Troup, will outline the details and answer questions. A senior officer from the planning authority will also attend.

The planning committee is due to discuss the application on Wednesday, October 19 when local residents will have another opportunity to give their views.