Plans for a new incinerator in Teesside are moving forward as council planners give their nod of approval, despite environmental concerns from local groups.
Teesside: There’s a new incinerator in the works, and it’s stirring up some serious debate. The plan is to set it up at Boundary Road West, right on the Wilton International complex. This facility will handle hazardous waste like paint sludge and clinical waste.
Redcar and Cleveland Council’s regulatory committee is meeting soon to decide on the planning application. They’ve recommended it for approval, but not everyone is on board. A group called Stop Incineration North East (SINE) is planning to voice their concerns at the meeting.
What’s interesting is that this new plant would be just a kilometer away from another facility that was approved last year. That one will burn household waste from several councils in the North East. Plus, there are already two incinerators nearby, including one that processes waste from Merseyside.
Some locals are worried, especially since the proposed site is pretty close to residential areas. St David’s Road and Shakespeare Avenue are only about 400 meters away. Independent councillor Dr. Tristan Learoyd has called for the committee to take a closer look at this.
The applicant, CSG, wants to build a facility that can treat hazardous waste and convert it into energy. They say it will handle around 24,000 tonnes of waste a year, which is a lot, but still less than the other facility’s capacity.
They plan to run the plant 24/7, except for a two-week shutdown each year. The design includes an office, a storage warehouse, and a processing building with a tall flue stack. They promise to keep emissions in check and only allow waste deliveries during the day.
Environmental assessments suggest that the impact on air quality will be minimal. The planning officer’s report backs this up, saying the development won’t harm human health. However, Natural England has raised some concerns about environmental impacts and wants to ensure proper waste management.
While the Environment Agency hasn’t objected, they will keep an eye on potential issues when the facility applies for an environmental permit. The council believes this project aligns with their goals for economic growth in the area.
