Gas plant inquiry starts amid health concerns
BBCAn inquiry has begun to examine whether a proposed gasification plant near Carlisle that would use rubbish to make gas should get planning permission.
Cumberland Council rejected the energy-from-waste scheme last year due to concerns about the potential impact on the health of people living nearby.
A barrister for North West Regeneration, which is appealing against the decision, told the planning inquiry at Carlisle Civic Centre that fears about people's health were "entirely unfounded".
However, lawyers for the council and a group of local residents said there was good reason to be concerned about the health impacts.
Air pollution
The facility, called a gasification plant, would heat a type of fuel made from waste, producing a gas made mainly of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, according to inquiry documents.
That would be burned to generate electricity which would power the adjacent waste processing site near Rockcliffe, with any excess power exported to the National Grid.
Stephanie Hall, representing Cumberland Council, told the inquiry there was "published evidence" that gasification plants could contribute to air pollution which could harm people's health.
But Piers Riley-Smith, for North West Regeneration, said the scheme "would not pose a risk to public health".
Speaking at a protest ahead of proceedings, chair of Rockcliffe Parish Council Geoff Moss said there were already a number of waste facilities in the area.
"I think there's a balance between commercial and industrial activities and residents and I think that balance has been going the wrong way now for numerous years," he said.
North West Regeneration's sister company North West Recycling said: "The need for responsible, locally-rooted waste solutions has never been more urgent."
A spokesperson said the company welcomed opportunities to "work with and educate" communities about the "positive impact" such solutions could offer.
The inquiry is expected to run until 12 June.
