Group objects over plant proposal

A recently-formed pressure group in Bishop's Castle has objected to plans for a multi-million pound biomass power plant.

The Bishop's Castle Group is concerned about the lack of detail in the plans.

A consortium of local business and Oxfordshire-based technical expert Chris Day want to generate electricity by burning green waste.

But their plans have generated outrage among locals.

A similar scheme in Tenbury Wells, which also involves Mr Day, has proved unpopular among residents there and more than 2,000 townsfolk have signed a petition opposing the idea.

Today the Bishop's Castle Group said there was insufficient detail in a planning application.

A statement from the group said: "As a group, we are sympathetic to green projects. However, there appears to be very little consistent information about the proposals, along with many questions still unanswered.

"Therefore, we feel we have no alternative but to oppose this development."

The statement added that the group had a number of concerns. It feared the developers may try to change the terms of their operating licence if they find the proposed biomass fuel too expensive.

Dozens of locals are expected to demonstrate their anger at the idea during a public meeting on November 20 at Bishop's Castle Public Hall from 7.30pm.