Site of proposed Herts EfW approved by inspector

The New Barnfield site of Veolias proposed energy-from-waste (EfW) plant in Hertfordshire has been approved as suitable for a range of waste management facilities by an independent inspector.

The EfW plant is currently awaiting a final planning decision from communities secretary Eric Pickles, and the site on which it is to be built is one of a number earmarked for future waste infrastructure in Hertfordshire county councils waste site plan, which has now been approved by the inspector.

A report to the council last month by Andrew S Freeman an independent inspector appointed by Mr Pickles found that the councils waste site allocations local plan document provides an appropriate basis for the planning of the county over the next 12 years.

However, several modifications to the plan originally submitted for examination in June last year were recommended by the inspector, including the deletion of six of 11 Green Belt sites proposed for allocation in order to ensure compliance with national Green Belt policy.

Theses six sites are: Presdales Pit, Ware; Tyttenhanger Quarry (north); Tyttenhanger Quarry (South of Coursers Road); Harper Lane; Smug Oak Lane; and Cadwell Lane STW.
The inspector recommended removing two sites at Sunnyside Employment Area, Buntingford and New Ford Road / Britannia Road, Waltham Cross because the intended delivery of waste management development could not be secured at the locations.

New Barnfield

Although the document does not deal with specific planning proposals, it does approve the allocation of the New Barnfield site near Hatfield where the council and its contractor Veolia Environmental Services is propose to locate the 340,000 tonnes-per-year capacity EfW plant. The report also adds that the site would be suitable for mechanical and biological treatment (MBT) and end-of-life vehicle facilties.

Mr Freemens recommendations follow a series of public consultation meetings on the proposed allocated sites in September and November 2013. And, according to the report, the New Barnfield EfW site allocation was the most controversial matter to be discussed at the examination hearings.

The report states: Given the range of safeguards that are in place, I find the New Barnfield Centre site to be suitable for the development of a range of waste management facilities. The site is acceptable in environmental terms. I support the County councils proposed allocation.

EfW

A final planning decision is still yet to be passed by communities secretary Eric Pickles on the proposed plant, which was called in by the DCLG minister in January 2013 after it was originally approved by the council in October 2012 (see letsrecycle.com story).

The controversial plant is being developed under an 800 million PFI-funded waste contract with Veolia Environmental Services, signed in August 2011 (see letsrecycle.com story).

Waste from the county is currently being deposited at landfill sites at Bletchley in Buckinghamshire, Milton in Cambridgeshire, both operated by FCC, and Westmill in Hertfordshire which is run by Biffa. Meanwhile, waste is being sent for incineration at the Edmonton EfW facility in North London operated by LondonWaste and to the Lakeside EfW at Colnbrook near Slough run by Viridor and Grundon.

Richard Thake, cabinet member for community, safety and planning, said: Im pleased that weve received a positive report from the inspector. We have taken account of residents views throughout the process since the review began in 2004. The Waste Site Allocations document was submitted back in June 2013. As waste planning authority for the county, we have a duty to plan for the disposal of about three million tonnes of waste a year, including the identification of suitable sites.

The waste site allocation plan document will be considered for final approval and adoption at a meeting of the council on July 15.