Last updated at 08:42, Monday, 10 September 2012

COUNCILLORS have joined forces to oppose plans for a biomass power station in Barrow.

ARTIST’S IMPRESSION: Showing what a biomass power station at Roosecote would look like

Air quality, landscape and visual effects, traffic, noise and the socioeconomic effects the development could have were cited as some of the reasons for members of Cumbria County Council’s local committee for Barrow opposing the proposals for an 80MW facility at Roosecote.

The group met at the Nan Tait Centre in Barrow yesterday and unanimously agreed to strongly oppose the plans.

A statement from the committee said: “The committee is strongly opposed to the development following consideration of the report and hearing from members of the public.

“In particular the submissions in the report and the evidence provided is insufficient and asks for independent evidence and advice to be produced.”

Cumbria County Council is one of the statutory consultees which will be asked for their opinion on the application, which is being handled by national body the Planning Inspectorate.

The county council, along with Barrow Borough Council, is preparing a joint local impact report which will examine the potential effect the plant could have on the area.

Graham Hale, principal planning officer, said the report would be prepared after the local committee, development and control committee and cabinet had been consulted.

Before making its decision, the committee took questions from residents and heard a presentation from Furness Opposes Biomass’ Dave Salt.

He raised several concerns about the effect the plant could have on the health of residents and highlighted a letter from Professor John Ashton, Cumbrian director of public health, where he stated the health impact analysis carried out had been limited.

Mr Salt said: “This unit cannot proceed. This county’s own medical officer has expressed concern and members here must be equally worried.

“We ask you not to support this proposal. We ask you to rebut this application and stand alongside the 14,500 residents who are horrified by the proposals.”

Councillor Dave Roberts said: “The people of Barrow have said that they don’t want it. I am here to represent these people.”

A Centrica spokesman said: “Centrica Energy has completed extensive studies as part of our application to invest in a new biomass power station at Roosecote.

Before the government grants us permission to invest in Barrow, we will have to meet strict health and environmental standards which cover all power stations in the UK. These standards are set by the Environment Agency and informed by the Health Protection Agency.

“We recognise there has been a high level of interest from the local community in our proposals to invest in Barrow. The recent acceptance of our proposal by the Planning Inspectorate followed extensive engagement with local residents through exhibitions, public meetings and public debates. We have welcomed the feedback received so far and continue to encourage local residents to have their say.”

First published at 17:07, Friday, 07 September 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk