SITA appeal incinerator decision

Controversial plans to build an incinerator in Cornwall which were turned down by Cornwall Council are being sent to appeal, the waste company behind the application has confirmed today.

SITA Cornwall confirmed it has submitted an appeal, which they claim is in line with the company’s contract and follows instruction from Cornwall Council to institute proceedings.

If given the green light by the planning inspectorate, the Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre would recover energy from waste to produce electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 21,000 homes.

David Buckle, Project Director at SITA UK, said: “Cornwall is facing an urgent waste management crisis, with landfill tax placing an increasing financial burden on Cornwall’s taxpayers and suitable landfill sites rapidly running out.

"It is vital that the residual household waste Cornwall produces each year, more than 200,000 tonnes, can be managed effectively, for the good of the whole county. This problem is not going away.

“There is a pressing need for the CERC, which can avoid the looming waste problem, while putting non-recycled rubbish to good use to generate a reliable source of energy. A successful appeal provides the greatest chance of delivering this much needed facility.”

“The appeal will be overseen by the Planning inspectorate, who will impartially assess the application against local, regional and national policies. SITA Cornwall will respond to the reasons for refusal given by Cornwall County Council, thereby addressing the local concerns which have been expressed.

“As more detail becomes available, we are committed to communicating openly and effectively throughout the appeal process”.