Norfolk EfW critics praise Spelman

Anti-incineration groups in Norfolk have praised environment secretary Caroline Spelman for her decision to withhold PFI credits for a proposed energy-from-waste plant in Norfolk.

Last week Mrs Spelman wrote to Norfolk leader Derrick Murphy stating that she was not in a position to confirm the provision of the PFI credits for the plant as she was concerned about the large volumes of objections to the project. This was met with criticism by Norfolk county council, as well as the ESA (see letsrecycle.com story).

However, local environmentalists have told letsrecycle.com that they believe she was right to make this decision.

Richard Burton, managing director of Burton Environmental Consulting, claimed the environment secretary should be commended for her objective stance. Caroline Spelman is fully aware of what has been happening in Norfolk, and this is why her response differs from those in the waste industry, he said.

Mr Burton claimed that the councils inability to meet recycling targets, the lack of a broad consensus as well as the absence of a two-tier authority consensus were valid reasons to withhold the funding.

Widespread opposition

In response to Norfolk county councils view that the move would send shivers down the spine of other local authorities, Mr Burton said: Other authorities need fear only if they have claimed public support where there is widespread opposition, or if like Norfolk their project also undermines their ability to meet recycling targets, another key PFI criterion.

Further criticism of the Norfolk proposal came from Rob Whittle, campaigner for Norfolk Against Incineration and Landfill (NAIL2), who claimed the burner should be buried.

Some criticsreferred to a referendum which took place in 2008 in which they claim up to 90% of residents who took part voted no to the scheme.

Mike Knight, another campaigner against the incinerator, said: This isnt about minor localised opposition; there has never been a broad consensus of support in Norfolk.

Apart from 65,500 votes against it in the referendum, both local MPs oppose it, the Borough Council has put aside funds for Judicial Review, and the planning consultation highlighted opposition from numerous interested parties across Norfolk, Mr Knight added.

Further evidence

The comments came after Norfolk county council received a letter on Friday from Mrs Spelman inviting officials to meet with her to further clarify her request for more evidence before the credits are released.

In the application Norfolk county council claimed there was a broad consensus to the plant however Mrs Spelman believes there is not sufficient evidence to prove this.

Commenting on the invitation to meet with Mrs Spelman, Bill Borrett, cabinet member for environment and waste in Norfolk, said: the Secretary of State’s letter does not move the situation on any further. Norfolk County Council was told by DEFRA in September this year that all the relevant information we had supplied was sufficient to their requirements.