Waste plant refusal to be appealed

A CONTROVERSIAL plant that can turn waste into energy may still be built after developers lodged an appeal to an independent planning inspector.

Verus Energy Oak Ltd is trying to overturn a decision by Sandwell Council to reject a proposal to build a 10,000 square metre facility at the Giffords Recycling site in West Bromwich. Councillors denied permission in June last year.

The plans would have allowed the company to incinerate industrial and household waste, turning it into electricity to power tens of thousands of homes each year.

Despite being recommended by planning officers, the development next to the M5 was rejected over noise and traffic fears.

A Verus Energy Oak spokesman confirmed last October the company was considering appealing the decision. It says the £200 million plant would create 40 jobs. Opponents collected a 500-signature petition opposing the scheme and won the backing of the MP for West Bromwich East, Tom Watson.

Cllr Jackie Taylor, who represents the Greets Green and Lyng ward where the plant would be built, was a member of the planning committee which rejected the plans. She stands by the decision.

“There are a number of reasons why I was opposed to this, including emissions from the plant, and we as part of the Black Country have a cleaner greener agenda.”

She added that if residents can make representations to the planning inspector they should do so.

A date for the appeal to be heard is yet to be set. Verus Energy Oak has been contacted for comment.