A "ludicrous" application to build an electricity generator plant in St Albans has angered neighbouring residents, who have said they will "fight until the end" to makes sure it is rejected.

UK Power Reserve Limited has submitted an application to St Albans District Council to build the plant at Alban Park, Hatfield Road.

If approved, eight gas engines would be installed at the building previously used by BT and Oaklands College - along with eight 11.8m exhaust flues.

The applicants said they do not anticipate that the proposed development will have any "significant impact" on residential property in the area. However neighbouring residents strongly dispute that claim.

John Cordingley’s house in Cranbrook Drive backs onto the proposed site. The retired bank manager said: "This is a mega application, not like the little boiler in my house. People will be disgusted if it goes. It will no doubt have a massive impact on our lives and will be a massive blot on the landscape.

"The application is riddled with errors - and even suggests this type of development would normally be on an industrial site.

"In addition, no emissions report was submitted which means the application cannot be taken seriously."

The proposals state the site would have a 3m acoustic fence and 4m fence around radiator fans.

Other neighbours cited health risks, noise and environmental pollution as major concerns.

Tricia Gascoine also lives in Cranbrook Drive but said she did not receive a letter about the application. She said: "Hundreds will be affected by this stupid plan. I cannot believe it has been submitted and that only 15 houses have been consulted.

"The applicant states in the document that plants are usually in industrial areas away from residential areas. The nearest house to this development is only 10m away.

"Needless to say local residents are very concerned. Cranbrook Drive is currently a quiet residential tranquil cul-de-sac, rarely troubled by intrusive noise.

"The quality of life of the residents has been given little consideration. If approved we will be subjected to noise and air pollution on an unprecedented scale. The effects on the health of residents could be considerable."

The applicant suggested the station would only be used for short periods to balance fluctuating renewable sources such as wind and solar or when there is high demand on the National Grid, but Mrs Gascoine said she believes it would eventually be used 24 hours a day.

The plant would be remotely operated by National Grid at their head office in Sollhull. Predicted noise levels are around 41.1 dBA at the closest exposed residential houses.

Mr Cordingley added: "We are so fortunate at the moment that this is a tranquil area. The council claim Alban Way is a ‘green corridor’ and this would definitely no longer be the case were this application to be granted.

Chris Brazier, district councillor for Colney Heath, said the application was incomplete. He added: "The developers have not consulted enough with local residents to explain the application. The development would mean residents’ privacy is compromised."

The plans are currently being consulted on by the council.