COUNCILLORS have approved plans for the installation of six electric vehicle charging (EVC) bays at a service station in Newton-le-Willows.

An application proposing the charging bays and associated infrastructure at Mill Lane Service Station, on Mill Lane, came before the planning committee on Tuesday.

As recommended, it was approved subject to conditions.

According to a report to the committee, the site comprises a petrol filling station incorporating a single-storey forecourt shop/sales building and a fuelling forecourt, located at the centre of the site.

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It also said the forecourt comprises four fuel pumps in a square configuration, and a car wash is located to the rear of the site.

It stated that the application seeks permission for the installation of six EVC bays, including a substation and associated canopy and infrastructure.

“The EV charging bays are to be located along the western edge of the forecourt, where the car wash is currently located,” it added.

“The existing car wash will be demolished.

“The charging bays will have a canopy over the top, which will be a cantilevered steel structure finished in grey with a glazed roof and will have an overall height 3.5 metres.

“The canopy will have 80-watt LED bulkhead fittings will be installed to the underside of the canopy.

“The southwest back corner of the site is to be utilised to allow for the installation of a new sub-station and associated low voltage equipment.”

The application was publicised by way of neighbour notification letters.

Six letters of objection were received.

The main points, as summarised in the report, include concerns about the substation and “how close it will be to the flats” – and that “sub-stations can emit electromagnetic radiation” and the “effects of this radiation have not been fully researched but it has been shown to produce many different and damaging effects on human health”.