CAMPAIGNERS in Old Town are celebrating after Swindon Council rejected plans for a controversial biomass heater to be installed.

The planning committee voted unanimously against the retrospective submission by TT Solutions and Interiors to run the system from their base at the Central Trading Estate.

The joinery company intended to use the heater to burn offcuts of wood for fuel rather than sending them to landfill.

Neighbouring residents had sent letters of objection against the application, which council officers recommended for approval, and there was also a petition.

Several objectors spoke at the meeting on Tuesday, which took place at the Civic Offices, raising concerns about potential health issues.

“A lot of my concerns reflected in the report have not been reassured this evening,” said Helen Thorne, who lives near the trading estate.

“I would ask the committee if this was at the bottom of their garden, where their children play, would they approve this application?”

The applicant, who wasn’t present at the meeting, insists that the system meets the criteria of the Clean Air Act.

The committee rejected the application citing the environmental damage that the biomass heater could cause and possible health issues for those who live, work and attend schools near the company’s factory.

The location is on a former railway line and residents felt the chimney from the factory was also too low.

“I can understand a joinery company burning their offcuts in this system but I query what else they will be burning that we are not aware of,” said Coun Vera Tomlinson (Coun, St Andrews).

“Do they think that because it is already in place we will wave it through?

“Residents’ fears are absolutely real and they should be able to enjoy where they live and not fear for their health.”

The Pipers Area Residents’ Association, which represents people living in and around Old Town, were pleased by the committee’s decision.

Chairman Colin Doubleday, said: “We’d like to thank the councillors and the committee for listening to the concerns of the residents.

“These are not simple reactions, residents have done a lot of scientific research in this area and looked at a very similar business which left partly because they could not satisfy a problem with dust extraction.

“We wish the company well, but this bowl, surrounded by residents, which the factory sits in leads to questions about the invisible gases from MDF and coated woods as well as dust from extractors.

“In a flat location it might be less of a problem.”

The firm, which has have a right to appeal the committee’s decision, does not wish to make a comment on the matter at this stage.