Abi Nimmo, the closest resident to the proposed gas generator site in Midsomer Norton (see Page 4 for story), petitioned both B&NES Council and Conrad Energy against the decision that had been rubber stamped by planning officers.
Abi had given up all hope that her fight would be successful until local members of Extinction Rebellion knocked on her door and offered their help.
She told The Journal: “I’m so delighted with the result. I’m thrilled that we have been heard as residents. I see this as such a positive thing.
“If this application had gone ahead as a gas plant, our local emissions would have gone up by 20% at its lowest use and 60% at its highest. We worked out that it would be the emissions equivalent of a standard car driving all the way from London to the Falkland Islands and back – for just one hour that the plant was running.
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“I’d like to thank the local people from Extinction Rebellion that gave me renewed hope. They are a well-educated, professional and dedicated team that really want to make a difference and know what they are talking about.
“They have given me the inspiration to really realise that people have the power to make a difference and we can stand up against ‘the corporation’ as a collective.
“I’d also like to thank Conrad Energy, who have been great communicators. They said they want to be good neighbours. It’s incredible to feel heard in that way. I’m also really grateful to Sarah Warren at B&NES Council for her assistance and to everyone who signed the petition.”
Abi is a Bio Medical Scientist and Occupational Therapist and has seen first hand the issues faced by local people with COPD and limited lung function. She added: “Radstock is a well known sump for toxic exhaust emissions, and I have seen what poor lung function can have on quality of life and life expectancy.
“To have a gas plant next to a school and nursery school with little lungs – well, that was really worrying.
“It is quite a legacy for Midsomer Norton to be pioneering technology that will help our area and in turn, the health of local residents.”
Stephanie Laslett of Extinction Rebellion Bath said: “We are so happy with this fantastic result for the community and the planet. Extinction Rebellion is not just about protest on the street; it’s also about helping communities to challenge planning decisions, even when they think it’s too late. It shows what can be done when people refuse to accept bad decisions.”