THE Breathe Clean Air Group (BCAG), which opposes the proposed construction of the Barton Renewable Energy Plant in Davyhulme, is urging all ‘parents and grandparents’ to speak at the public inquiry in November.
 

If the planning permission for the plant goes ahead, it will burn biomass and solid recovered fuel to produce electricity.


the application has gone to a public inquiry after councillors on Trafford’s planning committee turned down the original application.


BCAG is fundraising so it can employ legal representation at the public hearing and is opposing the plant on potential health grounds.
 

Pete Kilvert, chairman of the BCAG, said: “If the people of Trafford, Salford and Manchester do nothing to stop the Barton Renewable Energy Plant, you may experience your worst nightmare.


“It’s easy to bury your head in the sand and say the authorities know best, but that does not mean it’s best for you.
 

“Some time ago we were told that asbestos was a lifesaving material and that DDT would keep us safe from insects, but these chemicals have killed millions of ordinary people over the years and are still killing people today.


“How long does it take for the authorities to stop thinking about profit and start thinking about people’s lives?”


Jon England, Peel Energy project manager, said: “The BREP proposal was turned down by the planning committee last November against the recommendation of the council’s own planning experts.


“There were no objections to the proposal on grounds of air quality or public health from any of the professional bodies who were consulted by Trafford Council.


“These included Trafford PCT, the Health Protection Agency and Trafford’s own air quality officers.


“Based on those facts, Peel Energy considers that an independent public inquiry is the best forum to examine the issues in an impartial and objective manner.”


For more information on BCAG visit BreatheCleanAirGroup.co.uk.