Plan to double the height of waste plant chimney 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 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 then proposed to double the height of a chimney stack and relocate it with no other elements of the previously approved schemes to be changed.

But there has been opposition to the plans, with 241 letters of objection or concern received by the council in addition to four petitions including 4,441 signatures as well as from local MP Beth Winter and MS Vikki Howells.

Members of the public spoke against the application as did Ms Howells and Ms Winter, local councillors Graham Thomas and Karen Morgan and a representative from Hirwaun and Penderyn Community Council.