Campaigners fear new gasification plant could seriously harm the health of Frome residents

LOCAL campaigners are warning that emissions from a proposed gasification plant in Westbury could be a danger to the health of Frome residents and people living nearby.

Frome Town Council is among those opposing the planning application for the construction of a gasification plant in Westbury, which will burn household, industrial and commercial waste, and a waste transfer station on the same site.

Green Party activist Lenka Grimes commented, “I am seriously concerned about the health impact from this proposed plant on families in Westbury and for us here in Frome. I am pleased Frome Town Council has agreed to oppose this proposal.”

She and Green Party County Councillor John Clarke argue there are alternatives to gasification. Cllr  Clarke said, “The priority should be; using alternatives where possible, increased recycling and reducing waste. Gasification incinerators contribute through air pollution an estimated 40,000 deaths a year according to government research.”

They fear that the emissions from the chimney will settle on households, an event known as “plume ground” when the air above the ground is heavier, preventing upward dispersion. Emissions could reach up to 15 miles, which would take in Frome.

Critics of gasification plants argue that failing to stop emissions of soot particles coated with heavy metals can cause heart and respiratory problems, particularly in children, the elderly and asthmatics.

Frome is at risk of receiving emissions from Westbury roughly one day in every four, whenever the wind blows from somewhere between North East and South East, according to Hills’ air quality assessment.

Andrew Murrison, MP for South West Wiltshire , who is a medical doctor, has written to Wiltshire Council to express his opposition to the application and tabled a question to the Health Secretary regarding Public Health England’s assessment of health risks from particulates released by municipal energy plants.

Westbury Town Council has also unanimously voted against this application.

Residents can object via email: developmentmanagement@wiltshire.gov.uk quoting Planning application18/03816/WCM for the incinerator and planning application 18/03366/WCM for the waste transfer station.