Jubilation after plans for Bishop's Castle biomass plant are scrapped

Campaigners in Bishop's Castle today spoke of their jubilation after controversial plans to build a £5 million biomass plant in the town were dropped.

Residents and councillors claim the collapse of the scheme – which attracted hundreds of objections – was 'fantastic' for the town.

It marks the end of a four-year campaign coordinated by local people to stop the burner being built on land at Bishop's Castle Business Park.

Already talks are being set up to consider fresh plans for the land, including business units, a community composting scheme and more allotments.

Shropshire Council announced yesterday that the land earmarked for the biomass plant was being withdrawn from the market after failure to agree a deal with representatives from Bishop's Castle Biomass Power Ltd.

No-one from BCBP was prepared to comment, but it is understood there are no immediate plans to look for alternative sites in the area.

Karen Bavastock, chairman of the Bishop's Castle Group which led the campaign, said: "I could not be happier. To hear this news is absolutely fantastic."

Mayor of Bishop's Castle, Councillor Keith Pinches, said: "We are absolutely delighted, we have fought so hard for this."

See also:

• Bishop’s Castle biomass plant plans scrapped