RESIDENTS raised their concerns to councillors at a monthly surgery after plans were lodged for an ‘incinerator’.

The surgery, hosted by Bearwood and Merley councillors Marcus Andrews, David Brown and Richard Burton, was attended by residents to find out their views on the proposed energy from waste facility.

The facility is planned for Canford Resource Park, and the plans were submitted by MVV Environment Ltd in July.

Magwatch, a community group that aims to protect green spaces in the area, has said that concerns among residents have been mounting about the implications of the facility since the plans were lodged.

Bournemouth Echo: Residents meeting councillors at the surgery.

In particular, the group said it is concerned with the erection of a chimney of up to 110 metres tall, and its location next to Canford Heath, a special site of scientific interest.

There have been more than 60 responses to the consultation, including a ‘holding objection’ from Bournemouth Airport, on the grounds of aviation safety.

Further concerns were highlighted by the group regarding traffic on the A341, Magna Road, due to the increased number of HGVs that would be travelling to the plant.

The group said the Bear Cross roundabout and the Gravel Hill intersection are already at capacity.

It highlighted that the council-approved developments at Cruxton Farm and Knighton Farm would also generate more traffic on top of this.

Bournemouth Echo:

Spokesperson for Magwatch, Frank Ahern, said: “Looking at the fine detail of the application, one realises that the sustainability claims of the facility are not what they seem. For example, carbon capture is a long way down the line and may never be viable at this plant.

“The great height of the chimney, which will be seen for miles, is necessary, according to MVV, “to allow greater dispersion of the emission gases, thereby reducing the concentration of pollutant deposition on habitats”. “Reduce” rather than eliminate.

“Balancing the needs of safety in the air against health on the ground is simply a circle that can’t be squared.”

MVV said the new facility would process 260,000 tonnes of waste per year and would generate 31 megawatts of electricity.

A scoping opinion request was submitted to the council last year, and MVV held public consultation exhibitions on the project.

Paul Carey, managing director of MVV, said: “MVV believes their proposals will provide a more sustainable solution for the management of the region’s residual waste, turning it into useful energy, some of which can be used locally.

“We look forward to discussing our planning application with the community.”