Chimney stack plan rejected
PLANS to double the height of a waste energy plant’s chimney stack have been rejected after widespread public opposition. The plan was to increase the height of the chimney from 45 metres to 90 metres at the site on Hirwaun Industrial Estate.
PLANS to double the height of a waste energy plant’s chimney stack in the Cynon Valley have been rejected after widespread public opposition.
The plan was to increase the height of the chimney from 45 metres to 90 metres at the site on Hirwaun Industrial Estate but councillors refused against officer recommendations because of the visual impact it would have on the surrounding area.
In 2008, Enviroparks submitted applications to both Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council (RCT) and the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority (BBNPA) for planning permission for a waste resource recovery and energy production park.
Both authorities approved it and consent was given in 2010 when a section 106 agreement was completed.
Phase one was completed but a further consent was given in 2019 to an updated plan for phase two due to advances in waste recovery technologies since the original consent and changes in the policy and commercial landscape for waste recovery and renewable energy generation.
They are now proposing to double the height of a chimney stack (from 45 metres to 90 metres) and relocate it with no other elements of the previously approved schemes to be changed.
But there has been opposition to the plans locally with 241 letters of objection or concern were received by the council as well as four petitions including 4,441 signatures as well as from the local MP Beth Winter and MS Vikki Howells.
Members of the public spoke against the application as did the local MS Vikki Howells, MP Beth Winter, local councillors Graham Thomas and Karen Morgan and a representative from Hirwaun and Penderyn Community Council.
Ms Howells said: “I believe that this application is one that has significant and far reaching consequences for the whole of the Cynon Valley and beyond.”
She said said it would have a visual impact and that the Statue of Liberty in New York is the closest visual representation of the stack as it stands at 93m.
She said: “It would have a devastating impact on the economic potential of the area.
“We are right on the cusp of unlocking the region’s full potential.”
Ms Winter said: “It will dominate the local area and will be a blight on the landscape.”
She also raised concern about the impact on the dark skyreserve in Brecon Beacons National Park.
Ms Winter said it could “detract from all the positive work being undertaken and act as a barrier to investment.”
She added: “The people of the Cynon Valley do not want this stack and we should listen to them.”
The main objections from the public included that it would have a detrimental effect on the environment and it would impact on deprived communities.
They said it would be a pollution risk to the Penderyn Reservoir (water supply) and the volume of traffic and pollution would increase greatly due to the HGVs delivering to the site with roads already being congested.
The objectors also said the pollution would be a significant worry for both the elderly and children (with three schools in the vicinity) as well as people with respiratory problems as it would affect air quality.
They added that it would affect the viability of the existing Industrial estate and deter firms from coming and affect surrounding farms.
The planning agent for Enviroparks said the moving of the chimney to a better location and increase in height would allow for better dispersal of emissions, reduce the amount of pollutants falling on the special area of conservation and there would be an inspection gantry for emissions monitoring.
He said that although the stack would be higher, it would be slender and built with seamless cladding adding that the incremental height increase would be worthwhile because of the benefits.
He said the principle of the whole development is not open to question because planning permission has already been granted and that the operation will be controlled by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) through a permit.
David Williams from Enviroparks said it would make direct contribution to the local economy through jobs and investment.
Councillor Graham Thomas of Rhigos who is the local ward member said it is an “unacceptable intrusion” on the local landscape and said there was a cumulative impact of similar developments on residents’ health and well-being.
Councillor Karen Morgan who represents Hirwaun said that if they were to approve the application it would be in direct conflict to national policies.