The proposal for two recycling facilities and a 150,000 tonne energy from waste plant was rejected by the council in April when its planning and regulatory committee voted against it by 11 votes to two. Permission for the plant was refused on the grounds of visual amenity, effect on nature, canal conservation, loss of playing fields and public concern.
But Severn Waste Services' 500 million 25-year contract with the council means that the company must deliver an integrated waste management programme for Worcestershire and Herefordshire. And an independent report by consultancy group Entec concluded that the proposal should go ahead.
Richard Wigginton, head of waste services for the council, said he would encourage Severn Waste Services to do “whatever it can to deliver the contract” and added that the council would not oppose if the company decided to appeal.
Severn Waste Services said that the refusal threatened the waste management plan which has been devised to increase recycling rates from below 10% to 25% and should see an increase in recovery to 50% by 2005.
Legal advice
Philip Sherratt, area director for Severn Waste Services, said: “Following careful consideration and legal advice we will appeal against the planning committee's decision to refuse our proposal for two recycling facilities and an energy from waste plant.”
He added: “The Entec report clearly demonstrated that there are no major impacts on the environment as a result of this proposal. This includes traffic, health, visual impact and noise. I believe that this is the best solution for improving recycling and recovery and this is the best site, there is no better alternative. We are confident that we will get approval on appeal and bring a high quality solution to the area. Alternatives to landfill must be brought forward.”
The planning application is part of a 80 million investment in infrastructure across Worcestershire and Herefordshire which is also seeing Severn Waste Services refurbishing its household waste sites to make it easier for the public to recycle.
Friends of the Earth and Stop Kidderminster Incinerator (SKI) campaigners said they will continue to fight against the incinerator.
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