Appeal sought over 70m Salford waste plan refusal

The company behind a 70 million project to develop a materials recycling facility, anaerobic digestion plant and gasification facility in Salford has revealed it will appeal the local councils decision to reject the proposals.

Landowner Sky Properties plans for the Green Lane Eco Park were rejected by councillors on Salford city councils planning committee last week (June 2), despite planning officers recommending they be approved.

The project would offer the capacity to handle up to 240,000 tonnes-a-year of business waste, with up to 100,000 tonnes-a-year of recyclables being sorted in the materials recycling facility (MRF) and up to 60,000 tonnes-a-year of food and other bio-wastes being treated in the anaerobic digestion plant.

The remaining 80,000 tonnes-a-year would be turned into heat and power in a gasification facility developed by Energos, part of Manchester-based renewable energy ENER-G.

The proposals for the project to be built on disused industrial land off Green Lane aim to capitalise on the 2.7 million tonnes of commercial and industrial waste generated in the Greater Manchester region every year.

But, the project has attracted opposition, with local Labour MPs Hazel Blears the former communities secretary and Barbara Keeley both objecting to the proposals on the grounds of their potential impact on the surrounding area. A pressure group, Say No To The Green Lane Incinerator, has also led a vocal campaign against the plans.

Appeal

Following the refusal, Sky Properties Anthony Hirsch confirmed the company would appeal the refusal, handing the final decision on the project to the Department for Communities and Local Government.

He said: The council officers were satisfied that all technical questions have been answered and that our plans met government policy and guidelines. There is still an opportunity for Salford to benefit from proven technology delivering environmental and economic benefits, including 60 jobs.

We are still committed to investing in the site and working with the council, businesses and the local community.

Mr Hirsch claimed that the argument in favour of the project was compelling, highlighting the need for investment in the area, the derelict nature of the site and the emissions reduction and power generation the project would offer.

Plans for the Green Lane Eco Park were originally submitted for consideration by Salford city council in July 2010 (see letsrecycle.com story).