A DEMONSTRATION against a Barry gasification plant’s ‘licence to operate’ application took place in King Square on Saturday, August 19.

Residents signed the petition citing opposition to Biomass UK No.2’s bid to operate, what they call, an ‘incinerator’ which is currently under construction in Woodham Road, in Barry Dock.

The company was granted permission to build in 2015, but is unable to operate without a licence.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW), holding its second public consultation on the permit bid, has extended the public consultation to Sunday, September 10 - following cross-party requests for a universal deadline date.

Vale AM, Jane Hutt publicly announced the deadline date change at the King Square event while Barry mayor, Cllr Nic Hodges announced that Barry Town Council will hold a full council meeting, on September 4, in which a second £9000 independent Capita report would be discussed.

NRW permitting service manager, John Wheadon said: “We understand that applications of this kind are highly technical, and we want to make sure everyone has adequate time to consider their response to our consultation.

“Following careful consideration, and discussions with the local community and politicians interested in this application, we have decided to extend the deadline until 10 September 2017.

“We will continue to work closely with the DIAG to make sure they fully understand the new information we’ve received, and to give them an opportunity to raise the concerns local people have shared with them.”

Meanwhile residents continued to voice their objections while Barry musician Paul Duggan entertained with his anti-gasification plant tune and ‘Elvis’, aka Gareth ‘Graceland’ Jones, sang relevant songs.

Resident Delyth Pendlebury, 49, of Raldan Close, said: “I hope NRW say no. I want Biomass to go away and leave us alone.”

Eleven-year-old Sam Knox sent out an emotional appeal.

He said: “I want you (Biomass) to bend the chimney back towards your offices if it’s not harmful. People don’t deserve this in Barry.”

Mum, Tara Maxwell, 35, of Pendine Close, said her family may have to review their home situation if the licence was approved.

She said: “My son has cystic fibrosis. There’s a possibility we may have to move out of Barry.”

Speaking after the demonstration, Vale MP Alun Cairns, who is on annual leave, said he was pleased NRW had responded to community demands that the consultation period should be extended.

He said: “Following the last public meeting two weeks ago, I was asked to raise the matter with the first minister. Naturally, an extra week or so will help, but had hoped he would give us more time.

“I was also asked to challenge Public Health Wales and the local health board to request a health impact assessment, which I have done. I hope that they and the first minister respond in a similar way to these requests too.

“I remain concerned that we have to prove it is unsuitable, rather than Welsh Government policy placing responsibility on the developer to prove safety.”