Eco2 takes heart from rejection

THE firm looking to build a straw-burning power station on the outskirts of Brigg has seen its plans for a similar plant in Lincolnshire rejected.

However, Renewable energy company Eco2 Lincs immediately announced it would be appealing to the Government to get the negative decision on its Sleaford scheme overturned.

North Kesteven District Council planning staff recommended approval, but councillors, who had the final say, decided to refuse the £20-million scheme, offering 80 jobs.

David Williams, chief executive of Eco2, said they were very disappointed.

"The creation of an exciting and important project for the local area is an opportunity not to be missed," he added.

Target date for North Lincolnshire Council to reach a decision on the Brigg Biomass Station – on the former sugar factory site – is August 28.

Major objections have been raised by residents living nearby, whose concerns include the number of heavy lorries which would pass their homes on the way to and from the plant.

Coun Nigel Sherwood, who represents Brigg on North Lincolnshire Council, revealed the biomass plant was not on the agenda for the next planning committee meeting tomorrow and there would not be another until September.

He also revealed residents' worries about wind-blow straw blocking gulleys on drains and increasing the risk of flooding.

"I am still getting letters from concerned residents," he said.

Tony Longland, a member of the residents' group from Scawby Brook battling the Brigg biomass plant, said they took 'some heart' from hearing North Kesteven councillors had overturned planners' recommendations for the Sleaford development.