Trafford revives battle with Peel

Trafford Council said it plans to begin legal proceedings to challenge the Secretary of State's decision to grant planning permission for the construction of a new biomass plant in Davyhulme.

The council said in a statement: "The council was disappointed at the Secretary of State's decision to uphold the appeal against the refusal of the Peel Biomass Plant application. It has carefully considered the decision and has taken legal advice with regard to the merits of appealing against it. In the light of that advice, the council is now preparing to issue proceedings to challenge the decision in the High Court."

The local authority declined to offer details of its argument on which the challenge will be based. The plans were opposed by certain local residents on air quality grounds among others.

In response to Trafford's move, Jon England, project manager at Peel Energy, said: "Both the Secretary of State and the planning inspector were unequivocal that the Barton Renewable Energy Plant proposal accords with all relevant national and local planning policies. We will consider the details of Trafford Council's legal challenge against the Secretary of State's decision to grant planning permission to BREP very carefully."

England added that the Barton Renewable Energy Plant is a £70m proposal that would generate renewable electricity for at least 25 years. Over 100 workers would be employed at peak construction periods and more than 15 people would be employed as plant operators.

The local economy would benefit from a wide range of goods and services required by the plant.