The facility is being proposed under a long-term waste PFI contract between Veolia and Shropshire council (see letsrecycle.com story).
But, planning permission was unanimously refused by Shropshire councils Strategic Planning Committee in September 2010, prompting Veolia to appeal.
Today, the Planning Inspectorate granted planning permission, subject to approval from the Secretary of State.
Throughout the appeal, which was held over a six-week period in Autumn 2011, the Inspector heard evidence under cross examination from interested parties both in support and against the proposal. The final day of the appeal was held in November, where all parties gave their closing submissions.
Since the end of the inquiry, the Planning Inspector had been weighing up the evidence, and today announced his decision to overrule the original decision by the councils planning committee.
‘Crucial’
Commenting on the decision, Donald Macphail, managing director for Veolias Shropshire activity, said: The decision to approve planning today recognises that this facility is a crucial part of the strategy to recover value from waste through the production of energy, and reduce the amount sent to landfill. Waste is a valuable resource and energy from waste facilities have a critical role to play, together with recycling and composting, as part of an integrated waste management strategy.
Councillor Mike Owen, Shropshire councils cabinet member responsible for waste, said: As waste authority, we are pleased that the Planning Inspector has decided to grant Veolias appeal and grant planning permission for the Energy-from-Waste facility, subject to the Secretary of States approval.
Energy from waste facilities have an extremely important role to play in reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill. Non-recycled residual waste, by burning it under controlled conditions, will provide an important source of affordable energy, which will provide electricity and heat for thousands of homes.
However, others in the council were less happy with the decision.
Councillor Malcolm Price, Shropshire councils cabinet member for strategic planning, said: Having heard evidence from all parties, the Inspector has upheld Veolias appeal. This is a disappointing result for all those who opposed the planning application. We will now need to look at our options and to consider our next steps.
Development
The proposed energy-from-waste incinerator will generate electricity for more than 10,000 homes, from the 90,000 tonnes of residual waste generated in Shropshire. An Environmental Permit to operate the facility was granted by the Environment Agency on 22 June 2010.
In a statement, Veolia explained: Work to develop the site will begin once pre-commencement works are completed and mobilisation of the contractor is undertaken. It is hoped that the facility will be operational within three years. Approximately 200 jobs will be created during the construction phase and 21 permanent posts once the facility is operational.
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