Campaigners’ cautious welcome as Eastham biodiesel plant plans are postponed

Jan 7 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Bromborough and Bebington News

CAMPAIGNERS have given a cautious welcome to an energy company’s decision to postpone plans for a biodiesel plant in Eastham - but say more must be done to protect the village from similar schemes.

Agri Energy provoked outrage earlier this year when it proposed a tallow and vegetable oils reprocessing facility in Eastham.

The plant would have converted used cooking oil and purified animal fats into biodiesel, a clean burning fuel.

However, as revealed on www.wirralnews.co.uk over Christmas, the company has now decided to delay the project.

Agri said short-term uncertainty in the bio-fuels sector was behind the decision, and no planning application would be submitted until at least the second half of 2009.

John Symcox, chair of Eastham Fights Back, said: “We’re all very pleased that, for the time being, we can concentrate our efforts on other areas.

“The company has gone away for now but it’s been left in the balance with them saying they’re going to review it later this year.

“The site is designated for employment but I think that needs to be looked at again. If it is developed, we should be looking to try to secure something more suitable for the area.”

Eastham councillor Phil Gilchrist said: “A dark cloud has been lifted but until the project moves elsewhere the prospect of something happening remains.

“The fact is this huge plant was proposed too close to homes. Its height and scale would have overshadowed nearby homes.

“If the landowners want to bring the land into use - and it is land that has been unused for over 50 years - they should consult residents before they dream up something else.”

Agri Energy said it remained committed to the bio-energy sector.

A spokesman said: “Agri Energy will proceed with its bio diesel investment once there is greater clarity on the impact of the recent dilution of bio fuel mandates across the EU, as well as certainty with regard to the elimination of trade distorting subsidies currently unfairly supporting the US and Argentinean bio diesel industry.

“Agri Energy will review its ongoing development plans in the second half of 2009.”