Swindon & Wiltshire News
Westbury renewable energy plant overcomes planning hurdle
An application to change the technology of the proposed Northacre Renewable Energy plant in Westbury from gas to moving grate combustion has not been ‘called in’ by the government.
The secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, Michael Gove, said the energy-from-waste plant “does not meet the selective requirements for a call in, and is satisfied that it can be suitably determined by Wiltshire council’s strategic planning committee.”
This means the power plant – a joint venture between the Bioenergy Infrastructure Group and The Hills Group – is now awaiting final approval from the Environment Agency for a permit – a permit the EA says it is ‘minded’ to grant.
The £200 million plant could incinerate 243,000 tonnes of non-hazardous waste per year at Northacre Industrial Estate, Stephenson Road, Westbury, creating 25.6MW of energy – enough to meet the average annual domestic power requirements of more than 54,000 homes and helping save around 58,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually.
The EA will only grant a permit for the facility if they consider that it will not have an adverse impact on the environment, or human health.
When granting an Environmental Permit, the EA will impose emission limits, which the facility will be required to comply with but which will also be subject to review and revision, in line with changing legislation or industry requirements, during the life of the facility.
The plant has been opposed by some 600 residents with the backing of MP Dr Andrew Murrison who called the decision “Surprising and very, very disappointing” but said the campaign was “Not over yet.”
In a statement, Northacre Renewable Energy said: “The Northacre facility has never been more important to Wiltshire’s sustainable future.
“The project represents a £200 million investment in the local economy and a major new source of employment including many highly-skilled permanent roles.
“In addition, the facility addresses the pressing need for a sustainable long-term solution, to non-recyclable residual waste in Wiltshire, by reducing landfill’s contribution to climate change.
“Northacre Renewable Energy is ready and committed to play its part in the transition to a low carbon economy.”
A public consultation runs until April 22 at https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/ba13-4we-northacre-renewable-energy-limited-1/
