Westbury Town Council’s objection to the proposed advanced thermal treatment (ATT) plant has been echoed across the region, with Frome Town Council and local parishes Dilton Marsh, Bratton and Heywood unanimously and officially objecting to the proposal on a number of grounds.
Over 400 objections (at the time of going to print) have bee added to the public consultation representation letters.
Bratton Parish Council reaffirmed their original objections on highway safety and public health grounds and added that “the reduction in height of the building was insignificant given its overall bulk.”
Frome Town Council added their voice stating, “This revised application does not address our previous concerns” and continued that, the proposal “will mean a great deal more heavy traffic through the middle of Westbury and the surrounding areas including Frome.” On the issue of air quality, they added, “The gasification plant will create pollution: large quantities of CO2 will be generated; as well as particulates, noxious gasses, dioxins and heavy metal vapours all which cause serious health problems.”
Local resident Jim Marley, who attended the Heywood Parish Council meeting said, “Heywood Parish Council objected on grounds of the new proposal being in contravention of core policy 51, location, size and bulk. In addition, they objected on core policy 55, citing additional traffic, and poor air quality, after discussing the health assessment that was found within the application which describes the impacts.”
Meanwhile, Westbury Gasification Action Group (WGAG) member Margaret Cavanna also reported that Dilton Marsh Parish Council voted unanimously to submit an objection to Wiltshire Council. She said, “They gave careful consideration to the revisions NRE had made to the previous plan refused in July, but concluded that these were not sufficient to mitigate the negative visual impact of the enormous facility, particularly from a raised viewpoint in the village. There would also be no change to the high impact of additional heavy vehicles, and the case that there would be no impact on public health remained unproven.”
She said, “I urge people to keep the afternoon of 5th December free. It may not be confirmed until the week before, but the decision on the ATT could be made at the strategic planning committee on the 5th. The meeting starts at 2.00pm and we’ll gather outside County Hall, Trowbridge at 1.00pm. People power is crucial! We need to show this is a big issue for a lot of people. The date will be confirmed on the group’s Facebook page when we know.”
Those not on social media are encouraged to contact the group at: westbury gag@gmail.com to receive updates.
