Press release - 09 Sep 2008
Planning submission date confirmed for Granville energy-from-waste centre
SITA UK has announced that it will be submitting a formal planning application to build an energy-from-waste centre at Granville. The application will be lodged with Telford and Wrekin Council on Wednesday 10 September 2008.
The company began public consultation on their proposal in April this year. The centre is designed to replace landfill as a means of disposing of Telford’s residual waste (materials left over after residents have recycled and composted as much as possible) as well as providing a renewable source of energy.
SITA UK’s General Manager, Geraint Rees, said: "Earlier this year we began talking to immediate neighbours and local communities nearest the proposed site to gauge their views on our proposal. Following public exhibitions in April, to allow local people to view the outline proposals, we have made information available via our website at www.granville-efw.co.uk and established a feedback mechanism and freephone number to allow interested parties to register their views.
"The information we have gathered through this process has been taken into account in formulating the formal planning application. However, we will continue to engage with community representatives and key stakeholders, such as parish councils and local environmental groups, as the planning process moves forward. We are also considering the potential to hold more public exhibitions and people will have the opportunity to scrutinise the planning application and supporting documents by contacting Telford & Wrekin Council once the application has been submitted."
Among the supporting documentation will be an Environmental Impact Assessment which SITA UK and its technology partner Cyclerval UK are confident will dispel any concerns that the proposed energy-from-waste centre will have any discernible effect on health.
"The centre we are proposing will use some of the most sophisticated monitoring and pollution control equipment available," said Ian Crummack, Managing Director of Cyclerval UK. "There are now over 300 facilities of the type we are proposing across Europe, all operating to the highest standards and with absolutely no evidence of any adverse effects.
"This modern energy-from-waste centre will give Telford the opportunity to be ahead of the game in avoiding EU fines associated with landfill disposal of waste. It is appropriately scaled, so that it provides a local solution to a local problem and treats Telford’s residual waste at source. On top of all that, it brings the added benefit of electricity generation plus the potential to support local businesses by offering them a secure supply of electricity and heat in the form of steam or hot water, which will help to safeguard jobs. This aspect of the development could be viewed as being particularly relevant given the recent cost increases and ongoing volatility of fossil fuel-derived energy sources."
Once it has been registered, the planning documentation will be available to view by contacting the planning department at Telford & Wrekin Council on (01952) 380380 and will also be available via the project website at www.granville-efw.co.uk. General enquiries can be addressed to SITA UK using the online feedback form or by calling the freephone helpline on 0800 328 3079.