Pickles turns down Veolias Herts EfW

Veolias plans to build a large-scale energy-from-waste plant near Hatfield have been turned down by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles largely over concerns about the plants impact on the Green Belt.

The minister also cited the likelihood that the plant would absorb a large proportion of the waste generated in the area, preventing other treatment capacity from being developed in the area.

Originally approved by Hertfordshire county council in October 2012, Veolias proposed 380,000 tonnes-per-year plant in Hatfield was called in by Mr Pickles in January 2013 (see letsrecycle.com story).

The Communities Secretary has today (July 8) published his decision on the proposals, following an inquiry into the application led by an independent inspector David Richards between September and October 2013.

Veolia has argued throughout the course of the planning process that although the planned location for the plant is on a Green Belt site, this should not act as a barrier to the development of the plant as some of the land has already been developed on.

Prominence

But, in its explanation of the decision, DCLG countered: Though the site of the proposed building is already developed, the Secretary of State also considers that the buildings very large bulk and visual prominence compared with existing structures would be detrimental to the visual perception of the remaining gap between Hatfield and Welham Green. For this reason he considers that the proposed building would be harmful in terms of another of the purposes of the Green Belt to prevent neighbouring settlements merging into one another.

However, Veolia has claimed that the ministers ruling highlights inconsistencies in planning policy, and pointed to a recent decision by Mr Pickles to approve plans to expand the Pinewood film studios in Buckinghamshire, also located on Green Belt land.

Robert Hunt, Veolia UKs Chief Corporate Officer, said: We are very disappointed by the recent decision by the Secretary of State and are studying carefully the reasons given by him for his refusal of planning consent for the proposed Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility at Hatfield, despite it having received a resolution to approve at local level.

We would like to make clear that the proposed facility is located on previously developed land within the Green Belt and given the recent decision in favour of the Pinewood Studios expansion there now appear to be obvious inconsistencies in Green Belt planning policy.

In our view there remains a clear local need for regional waste treatment infrastructure of this nature in Hertfordshire. This decision and the length of the decision-making process also send out a very negative signal to inward investors in UK Plc.

Contract

The facility was under development as part of a 25-year, 800 million residual waste treatment contract between Veolia and the council, which was signed in August 2011. Defra committed 115.3 million in PFI credits to help fund the development.

Mr Pickles decision to turn down the plant now leaves the local authority without a long term treatment solution for its residual waste, and the council has now said it will consider where it goes next.

Commenting following the ruling Terry Douris, Hertfordshire councils cabinet member for waste management, said: This is very disappointing news. We urgently need an efficient and cost-effective way of dealing with Hertfordshires residual waste that will help us divert the maximum possible amount of waste away from landfill. Building this recycling and energy recovery facility would save Hertfordshire residents an estimated 667m over 25 years. Doing nothing simply isnt an option.

We are fully aware that there have been concerns in the local area about these plans and we remain sensitive to these. We will now, with Veolia, consider our next steps.