A ROCKCLIFFE resident has hand-delivered 716 local objections against a proposed gasification plant near Carlisle.

The proposed plant, put forward by North West Recycling, at units on Kingmoor Park Rockcliffe Estate will heat waste to break it down into a gas named syngas if approved, which can be used for electricity generation or refined into other chemicals and fuel.

Since its inception, the plans have faced criticisms from groups on an environmental stance as well as alleged 'transparency' concerns within the application process, after a Freedom of Information request revealed plans for a new waste pelleting facility as part of the project—triggering concerns about undisclosed information.

Louise Robertson, alongside her grandchildren Holly and Ted, delivered local objections to Kendal's County Hall. 

Speaking about the delivery, Louise said: "It seemed peculiar having to drive to Kendal to take the letters to a planning department that is many miles from where they are to be built.

"Why aren't local planners deciding what is being proposed locally?"

Public protests have also followed the application, with public displays being held outside Carlisle's Civic Centre as well as over 100 people taking to the Rockcliffe green. 

Sally Tears, a spokesperson for the Rockcliffe and District Action Group, said: "They say it takes a village to rear a child.

"If that is correct and children become what they hear from adults, then we are rearing our children to be warriors of the future.

"To stand up against injustice and fight for clean air to breathe, clean food to eat and clean water for local wildlife," she said. 

Cumberland Council is unable to comment on the application as it is ongoing with the outcome yet to be 'determined'.