The decision on a waste processing ‘Energy Centre’ at the South Marston Keypoint site looks close. The application, submitted in June of last year, is still strongly opposed by local residents.
Developers Rolton Kilbride’s proposal is for a ‘gasification plant’ which will process 150,000 tonnes of domestic waste a year, heating it up and burning the gases that are driven off. The plant would generate energy, including electricity to feed into the grid.
All that has been generated so far is opposition from local residents who have formed SKIP – Stop Keypoint Incinerator Project. The SKIP group have raised concerns including the impact of additional HGV traffic on already congested roads, dangers of infestation, and the potential for pollution should the plant malfunction. Stratton residents have not forgotten the 2014 Averies fire which burnt out of control for weeks.
“I think the objections that have been raised have delayed any decision,” says SKIP chair, Robert Ayres, who maintains that there are significant flaws in the proposal. SKIP claim that the plant will increase greenhouse gas emissions and that the developers have not given adequate justification for turning Keypoint into a waste processing site.
“Some of my neighbours sometimes see some activity at the site and think work is starting,” says Paul Vickery, SKIP committee member and Hatherall Close resident, “I have to explain that a decision still has to be made by the Council.” Swindon’s Planning Department is still evaluating the proposal. The final decision will be made by local councillors at a public Planning Committee meeting.
Local concern has been so strong that, according to campaigner Maureen Dilley, the Council will probably use the Wyvern Theatre for the meeting. SKIP will try to inform everyone once the date is known. In the meantime she is urging residents to write to their councillors. “If you’ve already written in, write again!” she says, “Some councillors have short memories.”
