Planning application for Wisbech mega incinerator could be submitted in the next few months

Local MP Steve Barclay has vowed to "keep a close eye" on plans for a mega incinerator in Wisbech over the coming weeks.

His pledge comes as developer MVV Environment Ltd continue to state they will be submitting a planning application to the Planning Inspectorate in the coming few months.

Mr Barclay said: "When I first heard about proposals to build an enormous incinerator in Wisbech, I thought the developers couldn’t possibly be serious because it was such an inappropriate place to site a waste facility.

"I, and many others, have campaigned against the plans for the last two-and-half-years. Despite the objections of the community, the developer has persisted in progressing its proposals, although it is still at pre-application stage.

"However, the developer has previously said they would be submitting the twice-delayed application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate in quarter two of 2022.

"I wanted to reassure residents I will be keeping a close eye on developments over the coming weeks.

"If an application is made, the Planning Inspectorate has up to 28 days to decide whether the application meets the standards required to be accepted for examination.

"As previously stated, I am concerned that the developer has not complied with the required consultation process with a failure to provide key information to the community.

"Local councils have already voiced their objections, although to avoid a local planning decision and qualify as a nationally significant infrastructure project which is determined by the Planning Inspectorate process, the scheme is supposed to generate over 50 megawatts of power.

"This means bringing hundreds of thousands of tonnes of non-recyclable municipal and commercial and industrial waste to Wisbech each year, with the associated increased lorries and impact on health, traffic and the environment.

"I remain convinced this proposal is wholly unsuitable and will continue to campaign against it on behalf of constituents."