Plans for test drilling for methane at Llys Nini Animal Centre approved despite environmental concerns
PLANS to allow test drilling to look for methane at the home of an animal rescue centre has been given the go-ahead — despite concerns from environmental groups and some councillors.
Members of Swansea Council's planning committee voted to approve the proposal to drill an appraisal borehole to allow for coal bed methane exploration at Llys Nini Animal Centre in Penllergaer.
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The scheme has been put forward by UK Methane Limited. The centre says it wants to establish whether the boreholes could allow methane to be used as a clean energy source for small scale electrical generation at the RSPCA centre. But a planning committee meeting was told there had been 163 letters of objection about the scheme, and concerns were raised about potential pollution, and why the drilling would be deeper than the estimated depth of any potential methane.
John Childs, of Swansea Friends of the Earth, and Safe Energy Wales, part of the UK-wide network of groups campaigning against "extreme energy extraction", called for an environmental impact assessment to be carried out.
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He told the meeting: "At this time we do not have enough information to make a judgement.
"Some members may not be aware there are six similar applications which have been approved in Swansea without members knowing much about it.
"UK Methane has made no public announcement about plans for Swansea in the short or long term."
Uplands councillor John Bayliss added: "I believe if this is passed it will have significant ramifications for Swansea in the long term. There are specific concerns about seepage of methane during drilling, into the environment."
But Sally Hyman, chairwoman of the trustees for Llys Nini, told the meeting: "There will be no attempt made to stimulate gas production or hydrocarbons. No decisions have been made about any future developments.
"Llys Nini is an established, responsible, environmentally-friendly local charity; the only fat cats involved with us are furry, with four legs, and are currently in our cattery".
3 Comments
by timhayes
Wednesday, January 23 2013, 7:21PM
“Councillor John Bayliss - it's a pity your grammar doesn't match your exacting requirements for spelling. " the words "fracking"." seems to be only one word. " your using my Twitter feed " should read, "you're using .....
By your use of the past tense, I presume you no longer hold serious concerns regarding test drilling and, as for "which we should be protecting" just doesn't make grammatical sense.
I really wish people who don't have a good grasp of grammar and/or spelling wouldn't attempt to criticise others. The art of communication is not about how it's written but what is written. Stop being pedantic, I'm sure you understood what was being said.”
by Cllr-JBayliss
Wednesday, January 23 2013, 3:02PM
“Thanks for your comments Ioan.
Let me say that A) I have the legal and constitutional right to speak at this committee (but not vote) and B) that in no part of my contribution did I mention the words "fracking".
I held serious concerns regarding the test drilling for methane and its effect on the environment. The cost to us as taxpayers will be far greater if our decisions lead to the destruction of the environment for which we should be protecting.
Furthermore, I'm glad to see your using my Twitter feed to keep track of what I am doing for Uplands and Swansea. However, my expertise doesn't just cover LGBT matters, as I have a wide ranging skill set. For example, I can show you how to write coherent comments for this website that are spelt correctly!
All the best Ioan, I hope the snow isn't too bad in Mawr!”
by MabCwmtawe
Wednesday, January 23 2013, 11:42AM
“Councillor John Bayliss does not know what he is talking about here. He asked if he could speak at this Committee of which he is not a member. He wanted to get the application refused because of false rumours that it was for a fracking process which it was not. After he spoke the Councilors voted 18 votes for approval and two votes for the refusal he wanted. He had no influence in the debate and in future he should research facts before jumping in with comments that could cost the Cpouncil Taxpayers dearly had he had his ay which would have led to expenses claimed at an Appeal hearing. His Twitter eweb site shows he is only an expert on one thing GLBT causes. My advice to him is to stick behind that which you know.”