In light of the recent extremely misleading and confusing publicity statements issued by the Conservative Group claiming that they had secured a halt to the Barton Renewable Energy Plant, whilst Peel explored the possibility of producing heat as well as electricity. And, in light of the subsequent communication issued by the Breathe Clear Air Group stating that the incinerator is not on hold, that Peel already have planning permission to build a plant which is capable of producing heat as well as electricity and that plans are on schedule with work due to commence on the plant within three years.

This Council now seeks to reaffirm its opposition to the proposed Biomass Incinerator, in a genuine and meaningful way.

Therefore in light of current press statements, where the Peel Group has said that BREP is planning to provide heat as well as electricity, the Council resolves to:

Write to Peel calling for them to permanently scrap plans to build a Biomass Incinerator in Davyhulme and to inform Peel that the Council accepts that burning biomass produces more carbon dioxide than burning coal and much more than burning gas per unit of electricity produced; burning wood produces masses of dangerous Particulate Matter; burning biomass with refuse derived fuel such as plastics, at the relatively low temperature of 850 degrees C, as proposed by BREP, is likely to produce deadly dioxins and other organic chemicals as well as masses of nitrogen oxides. Burning wood with preservatives from construction and demolition sites will release heavy metals such as arsenic.

And clearly state to Peel that the proposed plant is out-dated and its emissions are likely to cause ill-health amongst Trafford residents and to affirm that Trafford Council does not want or need a high carbon-based electricity and heat production plant within its boundary.

It was moved and seconded that:

“In light of the recent extremely misleading and confusing publicity statements issued by the Conservative Group claiming that they had secured a halt to the Barton Renewable Energy Plant, whilst Peel explored the possibility of producing heat as well as electricity. And, in light of the subsequent communication issued by the Breathe Clear Air Group stating that the incinerator is not on hold, that Peel already have planning permission to build a plant which is capable of producing heat as well as electricity and that plans are on schedule with work due to commence on the plant within three years.

This Council now seeks to reaffirm its opposition to the proposed Biomass Incinerator, in a genuine and meaningful way.

Therefore in light of current press statements, where the Peel Group has said that BREP is planning to provide heat as well as electricity, the Council resolves to:

Write to Peel calling for them to permanently scrap plans to build a Biomass Incinerator in Davyhulme and to inform Peel that the Council accepts that burning biomass produces more carbon dioxide than burning coal and much more than burning gas per unit of electricity produced; burning wood produces masses of dangerous Particulate Matter; burning biomass with refuse derived fuel such as plastics, at the relatively low temperature of 850 degrees C, as proposed by BREP, is likely to produce deadly dioxins and other organic chemicals as well as masses of nitrogen oxides. Burning wood with preservatives from construction and demolition sites will release heavy metals such as arsenic.

And clearly state to Peel that the proposed plant is out-dated and its emissions are likely to cause ill-health amongst Trafford residents and to affirm that Trafford Council does not want or need a high carbon-based electricity and heat production plant within its boundary.”

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

“The Council reaffirms its opposition to the scheme in its entirety, recognising this cross party position has never been in doubt.

Council welcomes the recent joint statement issued by the Conservative Group and Peel Energy to inform residents of a delay in construction at the Barton Renewable Energy Plant, whilst Peel Energy considers alternative options to improve the sustainability of the plant, should it be built in future.

The Council requests the Leader to write to Peel Energy to reiterate its opposition to the plant and to outline the Council's desire to continue to engage in a meaningful and genuine manner on future activity.”

Following a debate on the matter, the amendment was put to the vote and declared carried. The substantive Motion was then put to the vote and declared.

RESOLVED: That the Council reaffirms its opposition to the scheme in its entirety, recognising this cross party position has never been in doubt.

Council welcomes the recent joint statement issued by the Conservative Group and Peel Energy to inform residents of a delay in construction at the Barton Renewable Energy Plant, whilst Peel Energy considers alternative options to improve the sustainability of the plant, should it be built in future.

The Council requests the Leader to write to Peel Energy to reiterate its opposition to the plant and to outline the Council's desire to continue to engage in a meaningful and genuine manner on future activity.