Hampshire Waste Services Project Director, John Collis, has expressed disappointment over the decision by Portsmouth City Council's Planning Committee to refuse permission for an Energy Recovery Incinerator at Quartremaine Road, Portsmouth.

He commented: "Following reports in the local paper that a refusal could be given on political grounds, rather than planning issues, this outcome had always been one of our fears.

It is not unexpected, but is nevertheless disappointing that the Councillors had predetermined the decision, and did not heed the views of experts in this field, including the Environment Agency who granted authorisation. They gave the clearest steer on an issue that we know is close to local people, that the plant will be safe.

"We will be considering our position over the coming days on whether the refusal will be the subject of an appeal, the cost of which will inevitably need to be borne by the council tax payers of Portsmouth" added John Collis.

He confirmed that the scheme with a capacity to deal with 165,000 tonnes of waste, and recovering 14 MW of electricity for supply to the local Grid, is in accordance with the local development plan, which includes the Minerals and Waste Plan. It is also in line with government policy, which places emphasis on the need to reduce landfill inputs.

Hampshire's first new energy recovery incinerator at Chineham near Basingstoke was granted planning permission by Hampshire County Councillors last November. Together with the proposed plant in Portsmouth and another planned for Southampton, the facilities form a significant element of Project Integra, Hampshire's household waste management strategy, helping to recycle and dispose of the waste arising in the County in a much more sustainable and effective way.

30 January 2000

For further information please contact John Collis or Keith Riley at Hampshire Waste Services on 01962 764000.

Site Contents © 2000 Project Integra.
Contents correct at date of publication.
Web Design by Alchemy Digital.