PLANS for an electrical power plant to be built in a Wirral village have been withdrawn by the developers after dozens of objections.

It means a 'balancing services' plant will no longer be built on the land in Eastham, which would have included gas engines, battery storage containers and a transformer.

It comes after 70 formal objections were lodged with Wirral Council by residents and local businesses over the effect the plant would have on the area and its proximity to homes and Eastham FC’s pitch.

Despite those concerns, the planning statement submitted to Wirral Council said air and noise assessments had been carried out and there would be 'no adverse impacts' from the scheme.

It would also not cause any 'unacceptable disturbance' as it would be over 300m away from the nearest homes in a 'largely industrial' area, the statement added.

Despite that, on April 5, it was revealed that developers Peel Energy had withdrawn their plans for the facility off Bankfields Drive, which would have provided electricity for the national grid.

Eastham ward Cllr Chris Carubia said he was 'very pleased' at news of the withdrawal, but that nearby residents know it’s inevitable another application will soon be submitted for the site.

He explained: “People in the area were up in arms about it as it’s right at the bottom of a residential area.

"Residents nearby would have had to listen to humming noises that would have run all night.”

According to Cllr Carubia, it’s the fourth time a proposal to build a plant has been submitted for the site.

He said plans, which would have used gas-fired combustion engines and battery energy storage, were withdrawn as they became 'uneconomical', although that was not confirmed by Peel.

Cllr Carubia said he did not know Peel’s intentions, but had his own view of what he wants the site to become.

“We are in limbo again and this is the fourth time we have been here.

“Residents I have spoken to all agree that something is going to be built there.

"They understand that – that’s not the issue.

"The issue is exactly what they are going to build there. It’s an unusual situation.”

He added: “We want what’s best for the residents.

"Something like offices would be fine, but to build an oil plant down there would be unacceptable.”

Peel was contacted for further comment about the company’s plans.