PLANS to build a hydroelectric plant (HEP) in Flixton were met with strong approval from Trafford planning chiefs.


Peel Energy will now install a hydroelectric turbine on land at Irlam Locks, with the resulting HEP capable of generating enough energy to supply 1,000 homes every year.


The site, some of which falls within the Green Belt, lies on the eastern side of the Manchester Ship Canal, which forms the border with Salford.


At a planning committee meeting on May 8, Anthony Hatton, on behalf of Peel, said the scheme would not only produce clean energy, but the installation of fish and eel passes would allow salmon to freely migrate past Irlam Locks for the first time in 120 years.


Five letters of objection were received in relation to the development, particularly on the issue of noise created by the turbine.


But Mr Hatton said he was confident that any noise created would not cause disturbance to residents.


Cllr Laurence Walsh said: “I very much welcome this proposal and encourage Mr Hatton to come back and see us again if he’s got any further applications like this one.”


Peel Energyis also the developer behind the controversial Barton Renewable Energy Plant (BREP), which burns biomass to create fuel.
The scheme was approved by the High Court in February, against the council’s wishes.


Cllr Brian Shaw said: “I feel that this is an application from Peel Energy that this time we can whole heartedly accept.”


The application was granted unanimous approval by the committee.