THE approval of a business park and green energy-producing facility has met with a mixed response.
Nottingham City Council announced it intended to develop an "energy park" on former allotments in Blenheim Lane, Bulwell, in 2010.
The decision sparked controversy – with gardeners evicted from allotments and residents concerned about emissions.
Rather than being home to several firms the site will now be used by Chinook Sciences.
The facility will include a 'gasification' machine which converts waste that would otherwise go to landfill to carbon monoxide, hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
The idea is that the energy plant will be used to power buildings within the development, with any surplus going back to the national grid.
An experimental 'gasification unit' for research purposes will also be built.
Nigel Lee, of Nottingham Friends Of The Earth, said: "We are sceptical about the amount of energy this plant is going to produce.
"The main purpose of the proposal is to divert waste that would otherwise go to landfill so I don't think energy park is the correct term.
"When it's up and running we will be monitoring very carefully whether it lives up to the company's claims.
"We are also concerned there will be toxic materials produced in the process and again that's something we will be monitoring."
While the development has been approved, Chinook Sciences Ltd must adhere to a number of conditions, including submitting a detailed scheme to deal with gaseous emissions on the site.
A spokesman for Chinook Sciences Ltd said: "Our facility will be clean with no noise and no smell. The first of these plants has been running since 2000 and we have 16 worldwide, none of which have has an environmental breach."
Around 250 jobs will be created as a result of the new facility and Chinook Sciences Ltd has pledged to try to ensure these go to local people.
It is already in talks with New College Nottingham about tailoring teaching to fit in with what is needed.
Graham Chapman, deputy leader of the council, said "The planning approval of the energy park is good news for Bulwell and the city as a whole and a key stage in getting the project off the ground.
"We are still in negotiation with Chinook and are hoping to provide the city with an innovative sustainable energy plant that will provide up to 250 jobs for local people.
"It is an example of how the city is trying to encourage green tech business growth."
