Fenland District Council agrees to seek legal advice to challenge Wisbech incinerator decision

Councillors have agreed that the fight is not over yet to stop an incinerator coming to Wisbech, as they unanimously decided to seek legal action to challenge the Secretary of State’s decision.

At a full Fenland District Council meeting held on Monday, councillors from across the political spectrum expressed their concerns concerning the mega incinerator that was given the green light last week.

The MMV Medworth proposals have been permitted by Claire Coutinho, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Cllr Steve Tierney, a district councillor for Wisbech South, brought forward the motion to his fellow councillors in a bid to challenge the decision made by holding a judicial review.

The council will now seek legal advice on whether there are any grounds for a judicial review to be sought to overturn this decision, and also on whether a judicial review would be successful.

“Everybody I know to my knowledge has been against it,” Cllr Tierney said.

“Local people and groups have worked so hard to raise awareness and make a good stand. Every council, political group, the mayor have stood against it.

“This is an issue that has brought people together. This is an issue we all agree with. We want to do everything in our power to fight until the end. It is not the end yet.”

During the meeting, Cllr David Patrick showed his support for the motion but said a proper argument should be formed as “the cost will be considerable” to seek legal advice.

Council leader Chris Boden also showed his support and said: “The decision made last week was wrong. I think there will be many people who will disagree with that decision.

“We need that specialised knowledge so we can make the best decision that we can.”

Cllr Tim Taylor, who is also the chairman of the Rural and Farming Advisory Committee, said: “I’m sick of big companies throwing money around, getting deals done before it comes through us.

“If we say no, no means no.”

Cllr Elisabeth Sennitt Clough said that Fenland has been used as a “dumping ground”.

“The incinerator will affect most of Fenland.

“Fenland is being used as a dumping ground instead of being invested in.”

No councillors voted against the motion.