Council Approves Kings Lynn Waste to Energy Incinerator Plans

02 June 2012 Norfolk County Councilors have approved the controversial proposals to develop at 275,000 tonne recycling and waste to energy facility at the Willows Business Park near King's Lynn. In a recent meeting at County Hall, Norfolk County Council's Planning (Regulatory) Committee accepted officers' recommendations that planning permission should be granted to applicant Cory Wheelabrator. However, as the Government has issued a holding direction on the application, no Decision Notice can be issued by County Council until the CLG (Communities and Local Government department) has reviewed matters and decided whether it should be referred to Secretary of State Eric Pickles for his determination. A recent statement from the Council claimed that the Willows facility will deliver more than £200 million in savings over its 25 year life compared with the cost of landfill. The committee voted nine in favour, four against and with two abstentions. "Members of the committee thoroughly examined the application and after a full and frank debate accepted officers' recommendations," explained Graham Plant, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation. According to Plant the committee were satisfied that officers had addressed all relevant considerations and agreed that planning permission should be granted. "This is, of course, subject to the Secretary of State's views," Plant cautioned. Bill Borrett, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste added: "I have been very keen that we do everything by the book, so I welcome the Secretary of State's interest." "I believe that this proposal has been subjected to the most intensive scrutiny, by the Planning Process, the Public, the Environment Agency and DEFRA, which has approved the largest grant Norfolk has received for a single project," he continued. In addition to approval from the Secretary of State the proposed facility will also require a full permit from the Environment Agency before it can operate. Read More Norfolk Councils Appoint Law Firm for Recycling Contract Norfolk County Council, along with seven district and borough councils, has appointed law firm Walker Morris to advise on their joint multi-million pound recycling contract. Norfolk Incinerator Project Satisfies Another Key Public Body Norfolk County Council has been advised by Natural England that it has withdrawn its concerns over the waste incineration and recycling centre proposed by Cory Environmental and Wheelabrator Technologies at the Willows Business Park in Saddlebow near King's Lyn. Planning Decision Costs Shropshire Council in Incinerator Appeal Veolia Environmental Services' successful appeal over Shropshire Council's decision to refuse permission for a waste to energy facility at Battlefield, near Shrewsbury, has cost the council almost £760,000. Free Magazine Subscription Free Email Newsletter