Shrewsbury incinerator 'proves need for local people's rights'

A new rural coalition is flagging up the proposed Shrewsbury incinerator as a prime example of why stronger appeal rights should be granted to Shropshire residents.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England and the Environmental Law Foundation are joining forces to ensure the government delivers on its promise of a right of appeal for communities affected by planning applications, as part of its Big Society vision.

Andy Boddington, chairman of CPRE Shropshire, said the importance of their campaign was highlighted by the proposals for the £60 million incinerator in Battlefield.

He said: "Shropshire Council has contracted Veolia to build an incinerator, despite this breaching the council's own policies on waste management.

"Now its planning officers are recommending that the incinerator is approved by councillors.

Promised

"If the councillors follow that advice, the council will have both promoted the scheme and approved it, despite it driving a coach and horses through the council's own policies on recycling and waste. This is why a third party right of appeal is so important."

"In February, the Conservative Party promised a third party right of appeal. The coalition government however has been silent on the matter since it took office despite making a string of announcements on planning.

"The question we are facing is do we now live in a big society, or are we still under the thumb of big councils who are allowed to judge their own schemes and break their own rules."

The organisations are also publishing a new guide, on how to challenge developments in court.

The incinerator proposals will be considered by Shropshire Council's strategic planning committee when it meets on September 1, at Meole Brace School. It starts at 2pm and is open to the public.

Ian Kilby, head of development management with Shropshire Council, said: "The committee has a completely independent role and will determine the application on its merits.

"The officer report and recommendation before members will have regard to the development plan and other material considerations including national policy and a wide range of consultee responses from technical bodies and local people."

By Sam Pinnington