A DECISION on the Winkleigh biomass project moved a step closer with the publication today (Thursday) of new information about the project. The response of the applicants, Peninsula Power Ltd, to queries raised by Torridge planners is being made available to all the 900-plus individuals and organisations who have voiced opinions on the proposed £43-million power plant. The new and additional information centres mainly on air quality, noise emissions and where and how the miscanthus energy crop would be grown. The new information will be published a year after the original planning application was submitted following a lengthy consultation process. But planning officers now hope the energy scheme proposed for the former RAF airfield can be determined within the next couple of months. The details can be viewed at Torridge District Council offices at Riverbank House, Bideford, and Torrington, by prior arrangement with Nicki Bullen, clerk to Winkleigh Parish Council, on 01837 83981. From today, the information will also be available on-line at http://www.torridge.gov.uk/winkleighbiomass">www.torridge.gov.uk/winkleighbiomass and at http://www.peninsulapower.co.uk">www.peninsulapower.co.uk Andy Seaman, head of planning services at Torridge, said: ?We realise that the consultation process is taking longer than we imagined, but we have always said that we want to be fair to all sides and we shall continue to do this. ?One of the factors we have faced is that applications for projects like this are still relatively rare and new research and evidence is becoming available on a regular basis. ?The applicants obviously want that fresh information to be considered, but we have an obligation to those who have objected to the proposed scheme to seek out their reaction to the new details. ?We will be advertising the exact new documents which are being made available and anyone wishing to comment must do so in writing to Riverbank House within 21 days of that advertisement appearing. ?Once that period has elapsed, we will collate all the responses and information received with a view to deciding the application before Christmas.?