'It would take away our peace': Residents raise alarm over 24-hour EV charging hub plans
Concerns have been raised over noise and light pollution
Plans for a new electric vehicle charging hub on Wakefield Road have drawn objections from local residents concerned about noise, light pollution, and disruption.
A former car audio sales and repair premises, which ceased trading in 2019, is the proposed site for an eight-bay electric vehicle (EV) charging hub. The plans, submitted to Wakefield Council, include four ultra-rapid chargers, a substation, landscaping, and illuminated signage.
Two public objections have been lodged against the scheme.
One resident expressed fears that a commercial EV station would "have a negative impact on our residential peace." They highlighted that Wakefield Road is already a busy thoroughfare and that a 24-hour operation could eliminate the quieter periods currently enjoyed by locals.
"Once the commuter hours have subsided we have a few hours of quiet, a 24 hour station will take those hours away," the objector stated.
Concerns were also raised about "the constant noise from high voltage transformers and charger cooling fans," alongside the proposed illuminated signage, which includes a 4m-high totem sign and an information screen.
A second objector echoed these worries, citing potential issues with noise, parking, light pollution, access to properties, and litter. They warned that residents could face "extra light, noise and distribution to their own homes."
Fastned, the developer, has stated that the design considers the proximity to residential properties.
The company opted for smaller timber "wings" instead of its usual canopy design and has positioned the substation and electrical equipment as far as reasonably practicable from nearby homes. Landscaping is also planned to provide additional screening.