Get ready to fight Wisbech incinerator call to firms, individuals and groups

Campaigners fighting to stop a mega incinerator being built in Wisbech are urging local people, organisations and businesses to be prepared as the planning process finally gets under-way.

Wisbech Without Incineration (WisWIN) were disappointed when earlier this month plans submitted for a 54megawatt rubbish burner on land off Algores Way was accepted by the Planning Inspectorate.

It had been hoped that the company behind the application, MVV Environment Ltd, had failed to meet the necessary pre-consultation criteria and that it would therefore not be accepted.

However, the proposal has now been accepted and so the formal planning process is set to start imminently when local people have a chance to formally object.

But in order to do that people must register to become an Interested Party and then get their submissions in within a set time frame.

Leading campaigner Virginia Bucknor said: "Obviously we are disappointed, but not really surprised, that the Planning Inspectorate has accepted the application.

"Now we need to be fully prepared to fight and to make our views heard. We need everyone who is against this monstrosity being built in Wisbech to register as an Interested Party when the opportunity arises shortly - that is not just individuals but organisations and businesses too.

"If you are not registered then you cannot have a say and it is vitally important that as many people and businesses speak up against the incinerator as possible.

"We understand the registration is set to open at the end of the month and will be publicised by MVV and then there is a set period of at least 28 days for people to get their views in. Knowing MVV they will go for the shortest time span and that is just 28 days, so people need to be prepared to act fast.

"It is especially vital that local businesses who have previously spoken out to say they have no intention of working with MVV register so they can make that official.

"MVV are hoping local businesses will be prepared to take the power from the incinerator so there is a ready made market. If, as a number of companies have said, they don't want to work with MVV then that will add to our case in trying to persuade the Planning Inspectorate to refuse this application."

She added: "Companies publicising their support for the Wisbech community will not only show their commitment to Wisbech but will hopefully encourage other businesses to voice their views too.

"It's also important they're aware of the next stage if they intend to register as an Interested Party."