Chieveley waste incinerator plans submitted
Grundon submits formal plans for the controversial facility to process 250,000 tonnes of waste per year
PLANS for a controversial waste incinerator at the Old Kiln Quarry near Chieveley have now been submitted by Grundon Waste Management Ltd.
Grundon revealed its plans for a huge incineration plant back in January, although local residents and councillors have denounced the plans, which would be located within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
An action group, West Berkshire Against the Grundon Incinerator (WBAGI) was also formed to coordinate residents anger against the plans and several fundraising events have been held since its formation in January.
If approved, the Energy from Waste (EfW) facility would process up to 250,000 tonnes of residual waste each year and generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 30,000 homes.
Grundon has reiterated its commitment to a £125,000 per year community trust fund to support local causes in the community that hosts its EfW facility, should the plans be approved by West Berkshire Council.
Director of estates at Grundon, Bob Nicholson, said: “We are keen to support local causes and become a ‘good neighbour' and integral part of the local community.
“Should our EfW facility be granted consent we are committed to offering 50 pence for every tonne of waste processed to a Community Trust Fund which equates to an anticipated £125,000 per year.
“Rather than wait for the facility to be operational to deliver this Trust money we propose to start payments from when the first spade hits the ground, allowing for a quicker delivery of money and subsequently earlier support of local causes.”
Mr Nicholson added that a committee would be established comprising of local representatives to manage and distribute the fund.
In addition, the coalition Government has committed to rewarding local authorities that host renewable energy schemes, with a proposal that the local authorities would be able to retain the business rates, which could equate to around £1m per year for West Berkshire Council.
A decision on the plans is expected to be made by West Berkshire Council in the summer of 2012.
