Decision day for Avonmouth incinerator

Plans for a controversial biomass power plant in Avonmouth will be decided by Bristol City Councillors later today.

The plant, at Chittening Industrial Estate, would process 60,000 tonnes of waste wood a year to create a natural gas, which would then be burned to generate electricity.

Avonmouth residents who are opposed to the incinerator claim toxic, potentially carcinogenic, wood dust will blow over Avonmouth and beyond.

“This is about the health of our children and their children,” said Steve Norman, who has been one of those leading the campaign against the plant.

The scheme will be decided this evening by councillors at a development control committee meeting. Controversially the scheme was to be decided behind closed doors by council officials but, following a concerted pressure campaign, the ultimate decision has now been passed to councillors.

In a report, to be presented to the councillors, Bristol City Council officers are recommending plans for the 11MW power plant are given the go-ahead. Mr Norman believes the decision is already a “done deal” and they have only a “50-50 chance of having our voice heard”.

Campaigner Ian Robinson said they have no option but to fight the plant because he believes the impact on the environment of Avonmouth would be “devastating”, although he feels the decision has already been “rubber stamped.”

‘No significant impact’

However, in the report council officer Angelo Calabrese said the plant would not affect have “significant impacts” on air quality in the area.

He added: “The principle of a biomass plant in Avonmouth is supported by both national and local policy and the proposal has the potential to contribute to renewable energy.”

“The scheme will not raise any significant impacts on air quality for humans and wildlife and would not have a negative impact on the character and appearance of the industrial area. No significant transport issues are raised and the scheme will mitigate the loss of mature trees.

“Subject to the following conditions the proposal would comply with the Bristol Core Strategy and Site allocations And Development Management Policies and is recommended for approval.”

This has been refuted by the campaigners who also claim there are added worries about the process for disposal of the ash created by burning and the safety record of the technology that will be used.

‘Greenham Common style camp’

Campaigners say they are already prepared to fight on against the plans if councillors decide to approve the scheme. Mr Norman said he was planning a “Greenham Common style camp” on land opposite the plant and a “blockade of traffic going into the site”.

He added: “We can get the support and, if it goes ahead, we will personally dump the waste on the councillors’ back yards and see how they like it.”

Bristol24/7 has contacted Balfour Beatty, who have submitted the planning application and Boomeco who will run the plant, for a statement.

Both companies have said it would be inappropriate to comment before the council meeting and will release a statement following the council decision.