THE Vale council's reasoning for refusing to endorse an environmental permit for the Biomass gasification plant has been published.

The council issued their response to Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which sets out concerns around noise emissions and air quality, in early September. The report was made available for public viewing last Wednesday, October 4.

At the meeting, Plaid's leader on the Vale council, Cllr Ian Johnson, said the authority had a duty to be transparent when representing constituents and should publish consultation responses around important issues on the council website.

The report, issued by the council's shared regulatory services, states: “Having reviewed the environmental noise impact assessment I have considerable reservations about the conclusions presented.

“The initial assessment of the likely impact of the site appears to significantly underestimate the initial assessment of impact, potentially up to 19dB."

The report suggests that an increase in noise emissions by anything in excess of 10dB would be likely to cause a "significant adverse impact." It also concluded that much of the methodology used to assess current levels of 'typical' noise was flawed, or incomplete.

Furthermore, the report suggests that even if the plant were granted an environmental permit, the plant would likely remain in contravention of nuisance laws due to the level of noise.

It added: “As a result of all of these issues it is not suggested that an environmental permit is granted to the site for the operations as planned.”

With regards to air quality, the report also mentioned concerns about the impact that increased traffic flow to the area around the site would have, again citing a lack of information provided.

"The revised report fails to include any particular detail surrounding proposed traffic flows/ movements generated off and on site and therefore the potential impact arising from traffic derived emissions to air quality levels," the report states.

"From a Local Air Quality Management perspective the potential adverse impact this may have to air quality levels at sensitive receptor locations could be significant."

NRW permitting service manager, John Wheadon said they recognised the high level of public interest involved in this application.

He said: "We’ve ensured the public has had the opportunity to see and comment on the information we’ve received by undertaking three public consultations. We‘ve also listened to people’s views at the open and constructive engagement meetings with the local action group.

“Our assessment of all the evidence submitted and responses to the consultations is ongoing, and we’ll make our decision once we’ve considered all the information thoroughly.

“If we’re minded to issue a permit for this facility, then this will be subject to a further public consultation exercise.”

To read the report in full, visit valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/our_council/press_and_communications/latest_news/2017/October-2017/Council-responds-to-concerns-about-biomass-plant.aspx