The Environment Agency has granted a proposed power plant a green permit.

 

The environmental permit has been granted for Peel Energy Ltd to operate Barton Renewable Energy Plant, a biomass combustion plant on the Davyhulme site near Barton Bridge.

 

The power plant is estimated to provide enough renewable energy for 37,000 homes by burning off material, such as waste wood.

 

The plant still requires approval from the Planning Inspectorate before it can be built after the original planning application was rejected by the council last November.

 

A 10-day public inquiry by the government’s planning inspector to consider the application starts on November 10 at Old Trafford football ground.

 

Gordon Whitaker, environment manager at the Environment Agency, said: “This decision is the outcome of our careful consideration and thorough assessment of the application, and we are satisfied that the facility will meet the high standards set by the UK government and Europe.

 

“We are imposing strict conditions in the permit to ensure that local people and the environment are protected.

 

“We do understand the concerns from some members of the community with regard to emissions from the site and in reaching our decision we consulted with and received expert advice from the Health Protection Agency and the local primary care trust, amongst others.”

 

Peel Energy welcomed the decision. Jon England, project manager, said:“The Environment Agency has reached its decision after consulting widely with the local community, key experts and statutory authorities including the Health Protection Agency and NHS Trafford.

 

“It adds to the considerable weight of evidence put forward during the planning application process to Trafford Council from air quality experts – including Trafford’s own independent specialists – that BREP will pose no significant threat to public health.”