Westbury Incinerator will get permit

The Environment Agency will give the go-ahead for the Northacre plant.

A consultation which closed in February 2021 got over 600 responses, but the EA say they 'cannot find any evidence that would cause us to refuse the permit application.' A second consultation, which won't change the decision, is now open until April 22.

The EA also say they considered possible disadvantages of the incinerator such as the possibility of products from Arla Dairy becoming tainted by emissions. They could only refuse the application if it had the potential to cause significant harm to the environment or to human health.

Whereas Wiltshire Council planners were keen to emphasise that although they gave permission for the incinerator it was really the EA's responsibility to decide if it could operate, the EA pass the blame back again, saying, "Wiltshire Council decide if the location is suitable for an incinerator and if such a facility is needed in Westbury through the planning application process".

During the first consultation concerns were raised about the competence of the operators, due to the smells from the existing Mechanical and Biological Treatment (MBT) plant experienced by Westbury throughout 2021. The EA say however that although the same operator, Hills Waste Solutions, is involved with the incinerator, it uses a different company name (Northacre Renewable Energy Ltd), so they can't take the smells into account.

To comment on the draft decision document, draft permit and any other documents the EA have made available over the last year.
Go to: consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/ba13-4we-northacre-renewable-energy-limited-1
Email: pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk
Postal: Environment Agency Permitting and Support Centre, Land Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WF.