Villagers hire expert to challenge power plan

The group of villagers in Fimber are continuing to oppose a largely straw-burning power plant on the site of a nearby former turkey farm at Gameslack Farm.

The plans for the 15 megawatt power plant were granted outline planning permission by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council in July, subject to conditions, that are to be reviewed by planners meeting this Thursday.

At the meeting villagers, who are working beside the Gameslack Opposition Group formed in Wetwang earlier this year, will present a list of objections drawn up by consultants The Land and Development Practice.

Martyn Hill, a member of the Fimber campaign group, said they hoped the plans would be thrown out completely.

"The ideal outcome is that the planning councillors or the committee re-evaluate the decision that they made in July and throw out the application, reversing the decision that they made," he said.

Mr Hill said the main basis for their objection was "wrong plant, wrong place" as the waste heat generated, would be better utilised in an urban rather than rural location.

Other concerns include the environmental impact of excavating 310,000 tonnes of chalk from the site over three years to clear the way for the plant's construction.

Opponents say there is no way of ensuring the power plant is built once the chalk has been removed.

The plans have been submitted by the Pegasus Planning Group on behalf of East Yorkshire Power Ltd, who have said the plant will give the country another source of renewable energy.