A power company is seeking planning permission to develop a new gas-fuelled electricity generation plant on Green Belt land in north Bushey.

UK Power Reserve Limited submitted an application to Hertsmere Borough Council to build on land adjacent to its existing pumping station in Berry Grove Lane.

The proposals were lodged at the beginning of the month and a deadline for people to comment has been set for October 2.

Plans state the "small scale" standby station will operate through a series of gas-fuelled engine generators, with eight gas generators to be contained in the development site.

The electricity will be generated as and when National Grid head office need to rebalance the system if another power station goes offline or there is a sudden surge in customer usage.

The proposed site is three quarters of an acre in size and is to be screened by a steel palisade security fence of up to three metres in height.

In a report to planners, the applicant said the power would help the local grid in Bushey.

It said: "The proposed development site will produce electricity that will help support the local grid in the area and will support keeping the lights on and industry operational at all times in Bushey, with the location being chosen due to its proximity to the local electricity distribution network and access to the gas distribution system."

It continued: "The proposed development site is situated approximately 100 metres from the nearest residential property in Berry Grove Lane. It is not anticipated that the proposed development will have any significant impact on this property or any other residential property in the vicinity."

The new electricity generating plant will be remotely operated by National Grid and UK Power Reserve at its head office in Solihull.

The plans further state the gas-fired generators in the development site are set to be soundproofed to minimise noise pollution.

The report said: "The engine cell design ensures that noise levels from the generating plant are within recommended allowable noise levels for the site. When the engines are running, sound levels approximate a decibel rating equivalent to a loud conversation."

One member of the public has lodged an objection to the planning application.

The application is also due to be discussed at the Bushey Forum on Monday, September 22, from 7.30pm at the Bushey Centre, Bushey Country Golf Centre.

The plans can be view at http://www6.hertsmere.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=NB81G9IF1W000