A £5 million biomass plant in Bishop’s Castle would be “highly unlikely” to affect the air quality, an expert has told a public inquiry in the town today.

Steve Fraser, an air quality expert, appeared on day two of the inquiry at Bishop’s Castle Community College.

A public inquiry into proposals for the wood-chip burning power plant in Bishop’s Castle is being held after South Shropshire District Council failed to reach a decision.

Mr Fraser said the fact the proposed biomass plant was not burning recycled or waste materials meant it was less likely to produce toxic emissions.

He said: “In my opinion the overall capacity of significant harm to residents is relatively low.”

He said emissions could affect people living nearby, adjacent footpaths and allotments.

But he said if the woodchip burning plant was properly operated and controlled by appropriate planning constraints the risks would be low.

Almost 250 people attended the opening of the inquiry yesterday when Niall Blackie, for Bishop’s Castle Biomass Power Ltd, said under planning policy there was a commitment to tackle climate change and in order to deliver that strategy, there would have to be more biomass plants.

He said: “It is acknowledged that increasing the supply of biomass will have implications for land use, biodiversity landscape and a range of other environmental factors.”

He added the site fits in with the local development plan as the land earmarked at Bishop’s Castle Business Park was to be used for industrial and commercial use.

To check on progress of the inquiry call (01584) 813362.