KATE Green MP has spoken out in Parliament against the proposed Davyhulme biomass plant.

After a high profile campaign against the proposed Barton Renewable Energy Plant (BREP), Trafford Council rejected Peel Holdings’ planning application in 2011.

Peel appealed against the decision and a public inquiry was held in November last year, a decision on which is expected from the secretary of state in May.

Speaking at a parliamentary debate on biomass, Ms Green questioned whether biomass energy is always sustainable.

She said: “I know that many people living in Urmston, Davyhulme and Flixton are very concerned about the impact on the environment of the proposed plant, and the potential impact on health.

“The area already falls short of air quality standards, and local people are worried the proposed plant will make matters worse.”

“It is important that there is absolute transparency about whether environment policy is being complied with, and I hope that this debate has helped to bring concerns about the Davyhulme incinerator to the attention of the government.”

However, Jon England, project manager at Peel Energy, has disputed Ms Green’s claims.

“No objections to the planning application were received from any of the professional consultees which were consulted by Trafford Council,” he said.

“The Environment Agency issued an operating permit in October 2012 because it is satisfied that the plant will generate safe renewable electricity using best available technology.

The Environment Agency regulates all such plants in England and Wales.

“The Barton Renewable Energy Plant proposal would export enough low carbon electricity to the National Grid to meet equivalent demand of approximately 37,000 homes in the north-west.”