A CHURCH’S plans to build a bio-mass boiler so it could be powered by renewable energy have been refused by Bradford Council over concerns it could lead to “dangerous gases” being released into the surrounding area.

St Stephen’s Church in West Bowling applied to construct an on site housing facility for a bio mass boiler and the storage of bio mass pellets. It was part of a push to use renewable sources to provide energy for the church.

But council planners pointed out that biomass boilers can cause higher emissions of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter than gas boilers.

Refusing the plans, officers said: “The proposal would involve emissions from a biomass boiler within close proximity to residential dwellings and is likely to give rise to an increase in concentrations of specific dangerous gases with the potential to have an adverse impact on the health of surrounding residents.”