Public health fears key in Shrewsbury burner appeal

A long-running inquiry into whether a giant new incinerator should be built on the outskirts of Shrewsbury has come to a close –with a decision on the possible before the end of the year.

An appeal hearing into whether waste firm Veolia can build the facility at Battlefield Enterprise Park began in late September.

The inquiry heard yesterday that public health fears about the £60 million waste incinerator should play a part in the final decision on whether it is given the go-ahead, a planning inquiry has heard.

Hugh Richards, representing Shropshire Council at the hearing, said one of the original reasons the scheme was turned down by the authority was due to a genuine and significant public concern about the perceived effects of emissions.

"In the case of perceived health effects, this issue arises because, despite government and agencies statements to the contrary, there remains a body of respectable scientific and medical opinion that holds the contrary view," he said.

Speaking at the inquiry at the Lord Hill Hotel in Shrewsbury, Mr Richards added: "Scientists and the government have been wrong before and on matters such as this, local people are naturally suspicious and cautious.

"With regard to the Health Protection Agency's position, the guidance is not unequivocal and it has recently commissioned additional research which does not inspire confidence in the adequacy of its existing evidence base."

Mr Richards said Shropshire Council is clear that agriculture, food production and tourism are of high importance to the local economy.

"In this case, the perceived harm to health, agriculture, food production and tourism should be given material weight," he told planning inspector John Woolcock in his closing submission to the inquiry.

According to Veolia, the proposed burner could provide enough energy to power 10,000 homes. The company also claims that it would be a preferable alternative to sending waste to landfill.

The appeal hearing is taking place after Shropshire Council's planning committee unanimously turned down an application to create the site last year.

By Chris Burn