Controversial plans to create a renewable energy centre at Keypoint in South Marston will go under the spotlight at a special planning meeting next month.
The meeting, attended by Developers Rolton Kilbride and members of the SKIP (Stop Keypoint Incinerator Project) campaign group, will take place at the Wyvern Theatre at 6.30pm on May 16.
Rolton Kilbride applied last June for permission to build a ‘gasification plant’ which would process 150,000 tonnes of domestic waste a year. The plant would heat the waste and burn the gases driven off to generate steam either to use directly for heating or to produce electricity.
The developers say that the plant will provide a safe and clean way of generating renewable energy from treated household waste that cannot be practically recycled; Produce energy that can be used by nearby businesses and help cut operating costs; reduce greenhouse gas emissions
The proposal has run into strong opposition. Local residents formed the SKIP campaign and organised a petition against the proposal, which gathered more than 3,000 signatures.
More than 100 objections have been sent to the planning department with objectors citing the impact of HGV traffic and the potential for pollution in the area, particularly should the plant malfunction.
SKIP chairman, Robert Ayres, said: “From looking at their submissions so far I do not feel the developers have adequately addressed all the concerns that have been raised.”
The SKIP group claim there are errors and inconsistencies in the developers’ greenhouse gas calculations that still need to be resolved.
The SKIP chair thinks it is even possible the planning committee could be postponed while issues are addressed.
Members of the public are invited to attend the planning meeting at 6.30pm on May 16.
SKIP has a website at www.skip2016.com with further information and recordings of interviews on swindon1055.com. People can also send an e-mail to [email protected] to keep informed of the campaign.
More information about the application can be found on the Rolton Kilbride website at
www.keypointswindonenergy.co.uk and the developer can be contacted directly at [email protected].
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