We [the undersigned] local residents* object in the strongest possible terms to the renewal of planning permission for a wood-burning biomass power plant on Rover Way as outlined in the planning application 20/01279/MJR | renewal of 17/02130/MJR.

We ask that the committee fully considers the concerns raised by local residents and the wider community on the basis of increased traffic, proliferation of incinerators in the area, lack of supporting documentation and public consultation and increased air quality concerns in close proximity to residents.

We object on the following grounds:

1) No clear reason for extension: no evidence has been given as to why the developer needs more time than currently allowed under the existing planning conditions.

2) Planning blight: an extension of planning permission would likely result in continued uncertainty over the use of the site which has no clear timeframe for completion. Under the Cardiff Local Development Plan this site could be better used.

3) Air quality: we are deeply concerned that there has been no monitoring of small particulates (PM10 and PM2.5) in the locality, despite the nearby steel works, the existing waste incinerator, and the proposal for a second in Wentloog (ref: 19/02588/MJR), as well as the proximity of the site to residents and especially to the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community on Rover Way adjacent to the planned power plant. Without such monitoring, it is impossible to know whether legal limits are already being approached or even exceeded.

4) Documentation: Further documentation needs to be completed in light of Cardiff Council's policy commitments around Carbon neutrality by 2025. An Environmental Aspect Assessment and Strategic Environmental Assessment and sustainability appraisal should be undertaken with regard to this plant.

The renewal of this outline planning permission to build a wood-burning biomass incinerator will put the health of local residents at risk and fails to tackle the climate emergency which Cardiff Council and Welsh Government have announced and are resolved to fight against.

Splott already has 1 waste incinerator, and with proposals for another in Wentloog, the east of Cardiff is at risk of up to three incinerators within close proximity to homes and schools in Splott, Tremorfa and Pengam Green.

In particular, the proposed location of this biomass generator on Rover Way is next to a gypsy and traveller caravan site which has a number of residents with existing disabilities and health conditions (including respiratory problems).

Burning wood emits similar levels and a similar range of pollutants as burning coal including CO2, sulphur dioxide, mercury, Volatile Organic Compounds and small particulates such as PM2.5; all of which can be detrimental to our health and environment.

Biomass is a counter productive and flawed form of energy production. Generating a unit of energy from wood emits between 3% and 50% more CO2 upfront than generating it from coal.

Trees help to absorb excessive levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, but cutting down trees to burn both releases the CO2 back into the atmosphere and reduces our ability to capture CO2.

Often wood is shipped in from abroad which furthers the deforestation and climate crisis across the world.

Cardiff is the 6th most at risk city in the world to sea level rises and we ask that Cardiff Council reject this application in favour of encouraging investment in clean, renewable forms of energy.

Yours Sincerely,
Gareth Ludkin and signatories to the petition as listed in the attached PDF

*563 signees, 193 of which are local residents from the CF24 0.. , CF24 1.. , CF24 2… , CF23 9.. , CF3 3.. and CF3 2 postcodes.