Incinerator consultation period is extended
VIEWS can still be made on planned changes to an environmental permit covering the controversial waste incinerator planned for Shepshed, after a technicality led to the consultation period being extended.
The Energy Recovery Facility at the former Newhurst Quarry, off the M1 Junction 23, was initially refused planning permission by Leicestershire County Council in 2011, but was taken to appeal and the Secretary of State granted permission in 2012.
It will process up to 350,000 tonnes per year of waste as fuel, up from 300,000 tonnes, to generate 33MW of power, up from 21MW – the equivalent to powering 66,000 homes.
The Environment Agency has been seeking comments about the permit changes, which include the increase of the amount of waste processed, plus the option for either one or two flues housed within a single stack, an option for either one or two incineration lines, and general site layout changes.
But the consultation has now been extended until October 12.
In a letter received by Stuart Brady, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for the next general election, regarding the permit application, the Environment Agency stated: “We have been made aware that one of the application documents was not included in the list of documents that were available to view on our online consultation website.
“The missing document has now been added to the website. We are conscious that you have not had the opportunity to view this document and you may want to provide further comment.
“We have therefore decided to re-open the consultation for a further two weeks to enable you to view the document and if necessary provide further comment.
The link to the consultation website is: goo.gl/CUsWsU
Mr Brady said: “This document contained vital information about the plant and its operation.
“The Environment Agency has done the right thing in reopening this consultation.
“I implore all local residents to raise objections. The impact on Shepshed and communities down-wind across the Loughborough area is unacceptable.
“We already suffer from the air quality impacts of a congested M1 and the cancellation of the electrification of Midland Mainline. The old, young and elite athletes that live in our communities will particularly suffer.”