Large wood-incinerator rejected in Manchester area

Barton wood-fuelled incinerator rejected against Council officer advice

Trafford Council’s planning committee voted unanimously to reject Peel’s proposal for a 200,000 tonne incinerator, described by Peel as the “Barton Energy Plant”, which would have primarily burned waste wood.

    The committee rejected the plant against officer recommendation, as it would harm the regeneration of the area - because it would cause people to move away. The similar ‘Sunrise’ wood-burner in Barry dock is smaller at 70 000 tpa, but the argument about people and businesses moving away was never used. 

    Their Council spokeswoman was open-minded enough to say was a "genuine and significant public concern over the perceived impact on public health" of the planned incinerator, whereas our Council officers were just sore at the rejection of ‘Sunrise’.

    The proposal submitted in December 2010 was opposed by the Breathe Clean Air Group (BCAG) and Biofuelwatch.  “Last night’s decision vindicates all the hard work undertaken by the Breathe Clean Air Group” said chairman Pete Kilvert. “We have worked tirelessly to ensure that our case was based on strong scientific evidence. We are thrilled that the whole community stood together and wish to thank all the Councillors who spoke out against the plant last night. This is an historic victory for the people of Urmston”

    The company has 3 months to decide whether to appeal the decision, which would result in a public inquiry.  Their incinerator was to burn 90% biomass: 70-75% “waste wood” and “15-25% from other plant-derived biomass, such as managed forestry residues, energy crops and agricultural residues”, but also solid recovered fuel from municipal waste etc.

      More details in these media reports:
Barton Energy Plant plans rejected by Trafford Council (BBC news)
Plans for biomass power plant in Davyhulme are rejected by councillors (Manchester Evening News)