A RETIRED electronics engineer has spoken of his serious concerns over a solar panel development.

Last week Flintshire Council’s planning committee granted permission for a solar array at a Welsh Water pumping station in Church Lane, Aston.

John Butler, of Hawarden, told the Leader he has concerns over some safety aspects of the scheme including its proximity to homes and the accessibility of the site in an emergency.

He said: “I am a big fan of solar power, I have it myself and I know it works.

“But my concern is that this is an unmanned site and I know enough about these electronics to know that if they go on fire they produce noxious fumes.

“I want to make sure all the tests have been done.

“They could set these further back from the houses.”

Since the planning committee’s decision, Mr Butler has written two letters to North Wales Fire and Rescue Service outlining his concerns.

In one of the letters, seen by the Leader, he explains: “There is a small but definite fire risk.

“I believe this has potential catastrophic consequences for people living nearby.

“Especially for anyone who might be asleep in the houses immediately adjoining the site.”

When approached by the Leader, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed Mr Butler’s letter had been received and would be responded to.

Mr Butler explained his access concerns stem from the fact that the site appears to be securely locked, yet ‘unmanned’ as well as the fact that Church Lane often becomes congested with traffic.

A Welsh Water spokesman said: “As one of the largest energy users in Wales, we have set an ambitious target to self-generate 35 per cent of the energy we consume by 2025, which will also benefit customers by reducing our overall operating costs so that we can keep bills low and as affordable as possible.

“The project to install solar panels at our Aston service reservoir will play a part in helping us to become more self-sufficient in energy and further reduces our carbon footprint.

“We currently have solar panels on 26 of our sites.

“All of our solar panels are installed to a high standard using high quality fixtures and fittings which is over and above industry standards.

“We also carry out regular inspections on all equipment and have a full fire risk assessment for all of our sites.

“We work closely with the fire service and have an access agreement with them for our sites should this be required.

“We would like to reassure local residents that health and safety is a priority for us and that every step has been taken to ensure this site meets all the health and safety requirements.”

Mr Butler said he also has concerns over the thoroughness of the investigations done by council officers into the safety of the scheme and the level of consultation with residents.

Andrew Farrow, Flintshire Council’s chief officer for planning, environment and economy, said: “We are satisfied that an appropriate and proportionate assessment of the solar facility was undertaken to inform the planning committee meeting last week. The operator will need to make the necessary arrangements for emergency vehicle access should that be necessary.

“The proposed development was publicised via number of site notices which were displayed locally.”