Proposals for a gas-powered electricity generation station are set for approval, despite fears over fumes, noise and light pollution.

UK Power Reserve Ltd wants to build the 20MW standby station on a one-acre site at Leiston to provide electricity to the National Grid for short periods during unexpected bouts of demand at peak-time.

Experts have said the country needs to double its reserve power requirements by 2020 in order to avoid the risk of rolling blackouts.

The station in Carr Avenue would on average operate around 800 hours a year as part of a countrywide network of similar stations.

Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council has objected to the project because it feels it is an unsuitable location and could give rise to fumes, light pollution and disturb residents.

Suffolk Coastal councillors though are being recommended to approve it – subject to restrictions to minimise disturbance – on January 7.

In a report, case officer Stephen Milligan said the building would be beneficial to national energy supply.

He said: “There has been clear concern about the implications for air quality as a result of the development and its implications for health and the character of the residential environment.

“The full modelling report has been considered by the environmental protection officer and given no objections following detailed scrutiny, it is not considered that emissions from the development will result in serious impact so as to necessitate the refusal of planning permission.”