Firm takes first formal step towards building waste incinerator in Wisbech

A firm aiming to build a £300 million waste incinerator in Wisbech have taken the first step in the formal planning process by submitting a Scoping Report.

MVV Environment Ltd has submitted the report for its Medworth energy from waste combined heat and power facility off Algores Way to the Planning Inspectorate.

At the same time MVV has also launched a dedicate website giving further details about itself and the Medworth project.

The plans, announced last month, have prompted a campaign by Wisbech Town Council to stop the plant being built.

The Scoping Report is the first stage of the formal planning process and seeks to gain the opinion of local authorities and statutory bodies such as the Environment Agency and Natural England on the proposals ready for a full application for a Development Order Consent.

It is anticipated the formal application will be made in a year's time.

MVV's managing director, Paul Carey, said: "“MVV attaches great importance to early and transparent communication and would therefore like to engage with the local community as well as statutory consultees. The Scoping Report is part of a standard process and will be followed up in due course with exhibitions and other opportunities to discuss and comment on the proposal in 2020.”

The Scoping will be followed by exhibitions and other opportunities for the public to have their say in 2020.

The website contains details about the energy from waste process and answers to frequently asked questions.

MVV's community liaison manager, Jane Ford, said: "“We want to explain our proposals and hear local voices in a number of ways, and our dedicated Medworth website is just the first part of this effort.”

Both the Conservative and Labour Parliamentary candidates in the upcoming election have spoken out against the plans.

Tory Steve Barclay raised the issue of traffic generated by the plant, which could be up to 300 lorries a day and also its close proximity to schools including the Thomas Clarkson Academy.

Labour's Diane Boyd is also concerned about the proximity to the school but has highlighted potential health worries from toxins in any emissions the plant produces. She has also questioned whether any of the 700 construction jobs will go to local people.

The completed facility will have a 40-year life span and employ about 40 full-time equivalent staff.

Comments on the plans will be recorded and reported to the Planning Inspectorateso that

To see the scoping report visit: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/eastern/medworth-energy-from-waste-combined-heat-and-power-facility/

To visit the dedicated website visit: https://www.mvv-medworthchp.co.uk/