The decision was announced yesterday (20 February) following an “extensive evaluation process overseen by the planning inspectorate”.
It means MVV can soon finally begin the process of advancing the facility, first announced in 2019 (see letsrecycle.com story).
The Environment Agency said in January that it was “minded to accept” MVV’s bid for an environmental permit for the plant too (see letsrecycle.com story).
The project proposes the establishment of an energy from waste combined heat and power facility boasting a maximum gross capacity of 58MW.
The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views
- Paul Morrison, planning inspectorate
Community
The planning inspectorate’s chief executive, Paul Morrison said: “The planning inspectorate has now examined more than 100 nationally significant infrastructure projects since the Planning Act 2008 process was introduced, ensuring local communities have had the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them.
“Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other Interested Parties were able to participate in this six-month Examination.
“The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the Examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State.”
Process
In the application, MVV explained that the facility will have a maximum operating capacity of 625,600 tonnes per annum and will contain two thermal treatment lines.
Each line will incorporate an advanced moving grate furnace, high pressure steam boiler, air pollution control plant, continuous emissions monitoring system and a discharging chimney. The two chimneys on the proposed site will have a height of 84 metres.
Waste sourced from “household, industrial and commercial” sources will be delivered from pre-approved suppliers in enclosed or covered waste collection vehicles.
Application
The planning inspectorate accepted the application for examination on 2 August 2022, after its submission by Medworth CHP Limited, an MVV subsidiary, on 7 July 2022.
Throughout the examination phase, the public, along with statutory consultees and interested parties, participated by providing “valuable evidence” to the examining authority. Following a “thorough assessment”, recommendations were submitted to the secretary of state on 21 November 2023.
The Medworth energy from waste project now stands as the 132nd nationally significant infrastructure project and the 78th energy application examined by the planning inspectorate.
‘Good neighbour’
MVV’s managing director, Paul Carey, said: “We look forward to going ahead with this project, in accordance with the requirements of the Development Consent Order.
“We want to assure the local community that we will be a good neighbour as we build and operate the new facility, as we have already demonstrated at our facilities in Plymouth and Dundee.”
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