NATURAL Resources Wales (NRW) has announced it is intending to grant an operating licence for the 'incinerator' on Barry Docks.

Campaigners opposing the proposal to allow Biomass UK No.2 Ltd to operate the £50m gasification facility - locally known as the ‘incinerator’ - were informed of the development by NRW officers at a meeting at Castleland community centre on Monday, November 13.

In a statement released after the meeting NRW confirmed that they were "minded" to issue a permit having found that "following a detailed assessment of the company’s plans" they were "satisfied that appropriate measures will be in place to allow it to operate without damaging the environment or the health of local people".

The statement goes on to say that "as well as being assessed by NRW’s own internal experts, specialist advice from other organisations such as Public Health Wales, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service was also considered."

Before a final decision is made, NRW will share the findings of its assessment and the draft conditions for the proposed permit, and will begin a new consultation which will run from late November for a minimum of four weeks.

Vale AM Jane Hutt, who attended the meeting expressed her “deep disappointment” at the decision.

Ms Hutt said: “The Docks Incinerator Action Group (DIAG) has co-ordinated a significant campaign representing the views and concerns of the people of Barry with cross party backing from elected representatives.

"DIAG has held meetings with a range of statutory bodies to raise our deep concerns about the incinerator regarding public health and well-being, environmental impacts and fire prevention.

“NRW has repeatedly questioned Biomass on their permit application with unsatisfactory replies which are all in the public domain. This next stage of consultation on a ‘draft decision’ requires a robust response with an extended consultation of at least eight to 10 weeks.

"I will play my part in contributing to this. It is important for people to know that the environmental permit has not yet been granted and we will continue to oppose it every step of the way.”

Vale MP Alun Cairns said he was "incredibly angry and frustrated at this news".

He said: "The battle against Biomass and this incinerator has been long fought by residents and representatives alike.

"We do have a last chance if NRW should choose to block the incinerator. I am so disappointed that they are ‘minded’ not to.

"I will be working closely with DIAG during this public consultation period in a bid to present further evidence to halt the granting of this permit.”

Vale council leader Cllr John Thomas said the original planning application to build a plant was refused by the council in 2010, but the decision was overturned on appeal by a Welsh Government appointed inspector.

Cllr Thomas said: “The ramifications of that decision to residents and communities of Barry and the wider Vale of Glamorgan are now clear for all to see.

“I am well aware of how contentious the subject of the gasification plant is with residents and communities and I fully appreciate their concerns

“After completing our own assessments on this complex matter, based on current information, the council’s opinion is that a permit should not be issued.”

Barry Town Council (BTC), Plaid opposition leader, Cllr Shirley Hodges, said NRW was “jumping the gun” in recommending a license be granted while so much information was still missing.

She said: “They should err 100 per cent on the side of caution, rather than hedging their bets and our public health and safety as Barry residents.

"No consultation should be held this side of the New Year in 2018 so that their statement can be properly scrutinised by experts and local residents.

"BTC have previously brought in Capita as an independent expert to scrutinise the information provided by Biomass Ltd. I hope that councillors and the public will support us in doing so again so everything is done to ensure people's health and safety.

"If it is not 100 per cent safe with every query properly answered, then they should not get a permit to operate."

Nadia De Longhi, Operations Manager from NRW said: “We know there has been a lot of concern about this facility and I want to reassure the local community that we would only grant a permit if we were sure that the applicant can meet the strict standard required by the permit.

“We have closely scrutinised the application, and where we’ve needed to, we’ve asked for more detail and clarification to help us reach this decision.

“When the consultation starts, we’ll be happy to consider any new evidence or information that is relevant to our decision.”