THE developer who wants to build a gasification plant in South Marston has appealed the council's rejection of their plans.

The controversial renewable energy plant would be built on land near Thornhill Road and have the capacity to process up to 150,000 tonnes per year of refuse-derived fuel.

Objections from residents, parish councils and campaign groups were submitted soon after the plans were first made public in 2016.

They cited concerns over pollution,the traffic impact on nearby roads, the size of the plant and the unsightliness of its 52m chimney.

At the time, Rolton Kilbride’s legal counsel for the application, Anthony Crean QC, said: “The last thing I want to do is return with an appeal, and come back and put the council through a mincer, but I will do.”

Swindon Borough Council's planning committee unanimously rejected the plans, submitted by Rolton Kilbride on behalf of Legal & General Assurance Society Limited, in September

On March 15, the deadline day for appeals to be submitted, the developer announced that it would contest the council's decision.

Andrew Needham, Rolton Kilbride's managing director,said: "We have not taken this decision lightly, but we remain convinced that there is a clear requirement for energy for local industrial users.

"In this economic climate, a secure and reliable source of energy is key to remaining competitive, as well as de-carbonising operations.

"Other manufacturers and local authorities have understood these advantages and been keen to support industry in their area.

"The health and safety of these facilities has been studied exhaustively, with government and Public Health England content that they do not pose a risk to health or the environment.

"The technology also has government backing and has a long and established track record.

"As a result, we have been granted consent in three other areas and are making good progress."

Robert Ayres, chairman of the Stop Keypoint Incinerator Project protest group, said: "SKIP believes that it would be most appropriate for the appeal to be handled as a public inquiry given the level of interest there has been for it in Swindon."