Many object to Biomass plant

10:11am Monday 21st April 2008

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A LARGE delegation from Bishop's Castle is expected in Ludlow on April 30 to object to plans for a biomass power plant close to homes in their town.

Karen Bavastock, chair of the Bishop's Castle Group, delivered a detailed submission to South Shropshire District Council on Monday to add to more than 330 objections currently on file.

The group's objections to the application by Bishop's Castle Biomass Power Ltd include the unsuitability of the site on the town's Business Park, just off the A488 road from Shrewsbury to Clun. There is also concern over the effects on air quality and health; visual intrusion and the effects on local ecology, tourism, traffic and property prices.

Ms Bavastock said: "There is much concern locally if the plant goes wrong. There are still questions that need answers from the developers. It is also important to note there is still very little community."

She added: "I hope South Shropshire District Council Planning Depart-ment will listen and take notice of the concerns and objections highlighted by the letters they have been sent."

Bishop's Castle Group is not totally against a plant, but believes the current proposal is in the wrong place and on the wrong scale.

After widespread objections, an earlier application for a similar plant was withdrawn at the end of Nov-ember. At the time, Chris Day, agent for the power company, said this was to enable the company to provide more information. He added: "We remain satisfied that this will have a non-significant environmental impact and could contribute to health and well-being."

The scheme goes before the council's development control committee on April 30.

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