Councillor unhappy at Buttington ERF consultation plans

A County Councillor has reacted strongly to the news that “virtual consultation” is to be held over the Buttington Energy Recovery Facility (ERF).

Broad Energy yesterday announced they will be putting public safety first during Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on public gatherings before the plans for the ERF are considered by Welsh Government.

The plans will include a series of public webinars, telephone surgeries and information sent through the post to allow people to receive all the detail they need on the proposed development. 

But Trewern County Councillor Amanda Jenner says she is “particularly disappointed” after asking Broad Energy to postpone consultation until Covid-19 restrictions have been listed and will also call on Welsh Government to change the rules.

“At the start of lockdown I contacted Broad Energy to ask for an assurance from them that they wouldn't start this consultation during the Covid-19 pandemic whilst we are unable to have public face to face meetings/gatherings. Such assurance was not provided.

“Earlier this week, Broad Energy told me that their plan is to hold a 'virtual consultation'. I asked them to re-consider this and explained that this would make it difficult for residents who may not have internet access or who may not be comfortable speaking on the phone,” she said.

“For such a highly technical development, it is much easier to engage face-to-face than remotely but Broad Energy have announced that they still plan to have a 'virtual consultation’.

“This is particularly disappointing given that this development has been in the pipeline for so many years now. Waiting until a consultation can be held at a time when public meetings are safe, does not seem unreasonable to me.  

“It is also disappointing because myself and the Community Council had said we would like to hold a public meeting during this consultation period. I was also under the impression that Broad Energy had hoped to hold a public meeting too.

“I appreciate Broad Energy has said that they are concerned for people's health & safety during this Covid-19 period. Therefore, I ask that they extend this concern to consider the negative impact that a 'remote consultation' could have on some residents' wellbeing caused by the worry as they will find it difficult to engage in a remote consultation on something so technical as this.

“I am also in discussion with my political colleagues regarding the fact that Welsh Government are allowing 'virtual consultations' for highly technical and emotive planning matters such as this.

“Please be assured that both I and the Community Council will try to do everything we can to help all engage with this consultation.

“We do not yet know the exact date that this consultation will commence, but we will try to update people in as many ways as possible once further information from Broad Energy becomes available.”