The St Cuthbert (Out) Parish Council's planning committee has backed plans for trials to be held in pyrolysis waste management technology in Haybridge.

The committee recently considered the planning application for the temporary use of up to 12 months of land in Haybridge for the purposes of research and development trials to demonstrate portable waste management technology with greater efficiencies during and post pyrolysis.

Held in Wookey Hole on July 31, the meeting was attended by 29 residents which included councillors from Wells City Council, Mendip District Council and Somerset County Council.

The planning committee recommended approval with the proviso that Somerset County Council should refer this application to their Regulation Board for a decision.

This would ensure that more residents would be able to make their comments and the applicant present greater detail, as several residents had objected to the siting of the development at this location due to its proximity to the downwind residential areas.

The applicant gave assurances that they will remove all plant and equipment at the end of the trial and the committee felt that this portable pyrolysis system trial will help resolve environmental issues for plastics and other non-toxic wastes in the future.

Pyrolysis is the chemical decomposition of organic, carbon-based materials through the application of heat.

Pyrolysis, which is also the first step in gasification and combustion, occurs in the absence or near absence of oxygen, and it is therefore distinct from combustion, which can take place only if sufficient oxygen is present.

The draft minutes from the meeting are available on the council's website.