A planning application has been approved for the installation of substations to charge electric buses at a bus depot in Oldham despite residents raising concerns on the impact on their health.

An application submitted by Transport for Greater Manchester outlines the installation of 'electrical infrastructure, comprising substations which will house, incoming power, ring main unit, HV/LV transformers and LV switchrooms'. 

Relating to the Stagecoach Middleton bus depot on Greengate, the application received three detailed objections, all citing concerns over health. 

One objection was made by an anonymous resident in a neighbouring property who said the development would 'severely impact [their] health and wellbeing'.

They said: "The constant buzzing of the switchgear will impact on my sleep throughout the night charging along with the already annoying reverse bleepers and light pollution increase.

"As I am already suffering from breathing problems having had more than half of my lung capacity removed possibly pollution related.

"And I now find myself struggling to breathe even on liquid oxygen which has been increased even more due to the installation of the four massive gas fired generators a mere 80 metres away on the same level pumping out almost on a daily basis Carbon monoxide, Nitrogen dioxide, Sulphur dioxide, on an industrial scale.

"I feel this will increase in the running of them even more as they come on line by increased demand."

The other objections also cited worries for any increased pollution that may come from the installation of the development as well as the use of electric buses. 

However, the planning officers report said: "The closest equipment will be located approximately 17 metres from the nearest residential property to the rear and 44 metres to the north.

"The vehicles themselves will not be charged from this point, but from within the parking bays located further within the site.

"The Environmental Health Officer is satisfied that noise generation from the equipment will operate within an acceptable level.

"No comments have been received from GM Fire & Rescue Service in relation to any fire risk from the proposed charging units."

The application was approved on Thursday, October 25 with a number of conditions the development must reach. 

Along with conditions that are given to most planning applications, the development must ensure that the noise level of all the equipment installed does not exceed 20dBA when measured in free conditions at the site boundary.

The development must also submit full details for enhanced planting on the site for approval within three months of the approval.