MOD objects to incinerator plan for 120m chimney stack
Military chiefs at RAF St Mawgan have raised concerns over the height of the proposed chimney stack, at St Dennis, which would tower 120m above ground level.
They say this could put aircraft in jeopardy and have demanded the height of the chimney be reduced to 58m.
A letter from the MOD's defence estates department to Cornwall County Council said: “The proposed chimney stacks at 120m above ground level infringe our aerodrome safeguarding surface by 62m.
“Therefore we must insist that as a matter of air safety that these tall structures are reduced and that they do not exceed the maximum permitted height for this development which is 58m above ground level.”
Despite the air safety fears surrounding the chimney, the MOD had no other objections to the proposed waste plant which is being planned by waste management company SITA.
The letter also said: “We can confirm that the Ministry of Defence has no objections to the above proposal providing that the maximum height above ground level will be no higher than 58m.”
Stephen Gilbert, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for St Austell and Newquay, has been calling for a public inquiry into the incinerator.
He said: “The proposed chimney, or stack, is too high to ensure air safety.
“Yet it needs to be that high to protect areas of special scientific interest from emissions. This is not going be an easy one for them to resolve.”
News of the MOD objection came as Restormel Borough Council planned to hold a meeting to discuss the incinerator.
The special meeting was due to take place at 6pm last night, shortly after the St Austell Guardian went to press.
The final decision on whether the incinerator will be built or not will rest with Cornwall County Council or the Government if the matter is called in.
Last week, it was revealed that Restormel Borough Council planning officers had recommended the incinerator application be refused on grounds that the site selection process was not thorough enough, and claimed that it would lead to a loss of agricultural land and the proposed buildings would blot the landscape.
The final decision on whether the incinerator will be built or not will rest with Cornwall County Council or the Government if the matter is called in.
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