Residents 'incredulous' after gas plant approved

Residents say they are "incredulous" after controversial plans for a renewable gas plant on a former farmer's field were approved.

About 20 members of the public attended a Swindon Borough Council planning meeting to oppose plans submitted for Little Rose Lane, north of Blunsdon, by Rivan Industries.

The plan, which was approved by just one vote, will see 22 shipping containers, gas holders and solar panels all installed on concrete foundations, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Stephanie Taylor, who lives in Blunsdon and owns a woodland near the site, said her "faith in local democracy has been severely shaken".

She added: "The main argument for approval of the plan is its link to Net Zero and carbon dioxide reduction but nowhere in the plan or the planning officers' report is there reference to a whole life carbon cycle to evaluate the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with construction, transportation, operation, and decommissioning."

Taylor also claimed the proposals contained "numerous inaccuracies, omissions and conflicts" with planning policy.

Ian Jankinson, the chairman of Blunsdon Parish Council, opposed the development and spoke against the decision after the meeting, accusing the committee of having "no interest" in the objections to the scheme.

Fellow councillor Steve Wusinger said it was "hard to believe" the development could be considered temporary given the plans to build concrete foundations.

"This sort of development, I believe, should take place on industrial units, not green open space – once it's gone it's gone for ever," he said.

Rivan Industries has been contacted for comment.

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