Burning question

Apr 18 2008 by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle

A SIX-WEEK inquiry has begun into a proposed incinerator, waste plant and technology complex at Ince.

On Tuesday, developer Peel Environmental Holdings was greeted at Forest Hills Hotel, Frodsham by protesters waving posters from The Chronicle’s We Say No campaign and banners declaring “Burn the plans, not the waste”.

Inspector Simon Gibbs heard opening speeches outlining evidence from Peel, Cheshire County Council and other parties including Residents Against Incineration (RAIN), residents and parish councils.

Programme officer Jayne Coslett said: “Peel will continue all next week and going into the week after. Cheshire County Council will take up the following three weeks, then Vale Royal Borough Council and finally third parties.”

The public inquiry is running from 10am-5.30pm Tuesdays to Fridays at Forest Hills Hotel.

There is a public meeting on Wednesday, May 14, at 7pm when the public can attend and give evidence if they first register with programme officer Jane Coslett on 01928 735255.

The case against: It’s just too big

The proposals for Ince are out of scale, in the wrong place and will not work as a multi-functional facility, Cheshire County Council believes.

Paul Tucker, representing the council, said: “What is proposed is a massive amount of industrial development around a huge incinerator on greenfield land on the wrong side of the Mersey from Liverpool and miles from Manchester from where much of the waste will originate.

“There are a number of basic questions which need to be answered by the decision maker before this leap of faith can be sanctioned.”

Independent body Residents Against Incineration (RAIN) believes the facility could become a national waste centre.

Andrew Lorimer, of RAIN, said: “We object to the scale of the proposed facility. If the Peel incinerator goes ahead, it is almost certain that waste would have to be imported from outside the region.

“It is not proven that there are no long-term risks to public health from the incineration. More environmentally acceptable alternatives do exist and should be used preferentially.

“The area already has a high concentration of air-polluting industry and residents are concerned about the cumulative effect of the emissions.”

RAIN is holding a fundraising event on Friday, April 25, at Helsby Ex-servicemen’s Club from 7.30pm. Band Junction 12 will be playing and tickets are £5. For more information, ring 07771 747 395.

The case for: Keep an open mind

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Plans for an incinerator, waste plant and technology complex in Ince would make economic and environmental sense with no health risks, according to developer Peel.

In Peel’s opening statement, the inquiry heard the three parts of the development would generate electricity by recovering energy from waste. And by separating out recyclable material from waste, the facility will produce biofuel from the waste product.

Christopher Katkowski QC (correct), for Peel, said: "The development has been designed to be a multi-modal facility which would take advantage of the site’s accessibility by rail, water and nearby motorway.

"We do not have the luxury of waiting to see whether something else will come along somewhere else, who knows where, what and when. The time to act is now.

"It would also deliver significant economic benefits, contrary to the surprising and, it has to be said, bizarre view now being put forward by Cheshire County Council.

"Research carried out to date shows no credible evidence of adverse health outcomes for those living near incinerators. A proper and open- minded appreciation of the full nature of the proposals ought to dispel the many misconceptions which have taken hold of a good number of our opponents. There would be no environmental or amenity harm that would be so significant as to warrant turning away the benefits that the applications would provide."