Comments on: Biofuel plant rejected in landmark planning decision

By: biodiesel backlash began yesterday in Bristol « carbon limited

biodiesel backlash began yesterday in Bristol « carbon limited — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:06:06 +0000

[...] a biodiesel generation plant proposed for Avonmouth near Bristol was rejected 6-2 in planning committee on the grounds of itsÂ impact on rainforests on the other side of the [...]

By: biodiesel fallout began yesterday in Bristol « carbon limited

biodiesel fallout began yesterday in Bristol « carbon limited — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:04:51 +0000

[...] a biodiesel generation plant proposed for Avonmouth near Bristol was rejected 6-2 in planning committee on the grounds of itsÂ impact on rainforests on the other side of the [...]

By: Suzanne Richards

Suzanne Richards — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:23:58 +0000

Good on you Bristol!! Shame our Weymouth and Portland Councillors did not have your guts!!

By: Neil Harrison

Neil Harrison — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:17:28 +0000

I think this report misses the debate somewhat. The fundamental question was whether the term 'natural environment' in the Bristol Local Plan extended beyond the boundaries of the city or not. The view of the planning officers was that it did not. The counter view I put across strongly was that it has a wider application and that the Local Plan gives two specific examples to support this view. Six members of the committee agreed with my interpretation, while two agreed with the officer interpretation. An appeal would only be successful if the wider interpretation is considered unreasonable, but I don't think it will.

The quotes from Cllrs Griffey and Lewis give the impression that the other committee members were swayed inappropriately by public opinion, but it was simply that they came to a different interpretation of the Local Plan.

By: John A

John A — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:52:49 +0000

Mikos: we are trying to stop all biofuel power plants. Not just the one in Bristol. Sometimes people have to stand up and be counted. And those councillors did just that and Bristol should be proud of them.

By: Mikos

Mikos — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:22:16 +0000

I predict:

1. A successful appeal.

2. Major nuclear investment.

The BC councillors are big, idealistic fish, but in reality they are in a small pond. The power may be fed into the Grid elsewhere, but it will still be consumed in Bristol. Impact on the global environment? No different.

By: Glenn Vowles

Glenn Vowles — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:04:10 +0000

I've not long returned from this meeting. Lib Dem Cllr Neil Harrison spoke particularly well in his public statement -as did Green Cllr Charlie Bolton who made a very forceful and concise contribution. Several speakers from the public made moving statements on ethics. Lib Dem Cllr Alex Woodman showed an excellent grasp of planning regulations and played a key role in formulating the reasons for rejecting the biofuel plan. Shame on Conservative Councillor (and Committee Chair) Barbara Lewis and Labour Councillor (and former Lord Mayor) Royston Griffey for voting in favour of the plan – presumeably they feel that the natural environment does not extend much beyond Bristol (!) and that sustainability is an issue that can be considered in narrow terms!