Traffic could be diverted from a busy city centre junction if a proposed power station increased pollution levels, Green councillors have warned.
Brighton and Hove City Council is considering plans for a combined heat and power plant on the Brighton station redevelopment site.
It includes two 22-metre chimneys and a 16-metre thermal reservoir on a site in New England Road, near Preston Circus.
Councillors deferred the proposals in November to allow time for solutions to be found which reduced toxic emissions and the applicants have now changed the engine to a more efficient model.
But Green councillors say recommended safety levels of nitrogen dioxide at Preston Circus are already close to being breached, mainly through vehicle fumes.
A breach would result in an Air Quality Management Area being declared, which could lead to diversion of traffic away from Preston Circus.
They want the station moved further away from the area.
Green convenor and ward councillor Keith Taylor said: "Even though the nitrogen dioxide emissions are lower than those in the previous application, the fact remains that the levels of this toxic pollutant at Preston Circus will be pushed over safe limits."
The city planning committee will consider the plan tomorrow.
Tuesday January 13, 2004
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