Published: Thursday, 23rd February 2023
A Planning Inspectorate examination hearing into the proposals for an incinerator in Wisbech has been told of the borough’s strong opposition to the plan.
Cllr Stuart Dark MBE, the council leader, spoke on behalf of the council, which has an agreed position of opposing the plan. He was one of several of the borough’s councillors to speak against the proposal.
Cllr Dark told the hearing:
“There is considerable community concern about this proposal, not just amongst the residents and elected town and parish bodies in my council area, but amongst all the area’s MPs, county councils and our surrounding districts.
“Currently, there is to my knowledge not one, I repeat not one, elected body or MP locally that is in favour of this large, commercially-driven scheme. Many, like us and NCC, have already publicly stated their ‘in principle’ opposition to it.
“It is felt at this stage by the council I represent that this proposed facility, driven by commercial interest, is too large, not needed and in the wrong location.”
The examination is hearing from a number of groups, individuals and other councillors over two sessions of ‘open-floor’ hearings.
Although the majority of the site would be in Cambridgeshire, councillors in west Norfolk have expressed concern over the need for the site, the location and the effect on air quality from releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Their concerns have been supported by the county council and both the borough’s local MPs.