Barton Renewable Energy Plant inquiry begins (From Messenger Newspapers)

Barton Renewable Energy Plant inquiry begins

12:00pm Thursday 15th November 2012 in News By Kate Banks, Reporter

KATE Green MP and Trafford councillors spoke out against the Barton Renewable Energy Plant (BREP) proposal at the public inquiry, which began this week.

BREP was unanimously rejected by Trafford Council last year after a high profile campaign by the Breathe Clean Air Group (BCAG), however, Peel Energy is appealing the council’s decision before a government inspector.

The council is defending its decision for refusal principally on the grounds of perceived perception of health impacts and the affect the plant will have on the attractiveness, self-confidence and continued regeneration of the area.

Almost 200 people attended the opening session, including many residents from Davyhulme, Urmston and Flixton.

Stretford and Urmston MP, Kate Green, spoke at the inquiry, which is taking place at Manchester United football ground, yesterday.

She said: “There is one principal point I want to concentrate on, which is in relation to the weight to be given to public opinion.

“I expect that other witnesses will want to consider in detail the wide range of technical issues the proposals create.

“What I want to convey to the inquiry is the extent and depth of local feeling about the plans.”

Davyhulme councillors David Acton and Lisa Cooke spoke on Tuesday, as did Nigel Woodcock of Keep Trafford Clean and Green and Trafford Green Party.

However, the bulk of the inquiry so far has focused on the Peel Energy’s legal team questioning the council’s expert witness, Alan Watson.

Mr Watson is a chartered engineer and has worked for environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth and as such. his evidence was focused on the scientific and technical details of the case.

The inquiry continues and is expected to last for 10 days, during which time witnesses for the Peel Group will be invited to put forward their evidence.