Sherwood Forest Incinerator - Round One To The Anti-Incinerator Campaign

A notable success has been scored by those campaigning against the plans of waste multinational Veolia and Notts County Council to build an incinerator at Rainworth in Sherwood Forest. The local Chad newspaper reports the decision of Newark and Sherwood Council Planners to vote against the incinerator plans. The County Council have the final decision, but this District opposition means that a public enquiry or "call in" are now far more likely and the arm of the anti-incineration campaigners is strengthened. It is notable that the planners opposition centred on the feeble nature of claims of sustainability and "energy from waste" in light of the electricity-generating-only (non CHP) plans. The Veolia plans are outdated already and measure up badly against alternatives including those involving various kinds of anaerobic digestion and mechanical/biological treatment.

COUNCILLORS have tonight (Tuesday) unanimously rejected major plans for a waste incinerator in Rainworth — after concerns were raised about its environmental impact.
Members of Newark & Sherwood District Council's planning committee said they could not support proposals by Veolia Environmental Services for the facility at the former Rufford Colliery.

Their decision to object to the plans came after a protest this morning by members of People Against Incineration (PAIN) at a site visit by councillors, where campaigners released black balloons to show the carbon footprint the incinerator could have.

Local residents turned out in force with banners to make their views known about the plans and the protest went ahead peacefully, although police were called to the scene.

Planning officers at the district council recommended committee members object to the incinerator because of concerns about its carbon emissions and building the facility on greenfield land.

The authority will send its views to Nottinghamshire County Council which is expected to make a decision on the plans next month, although the decision could then be called in by the Secretary of State for a public inquiry.

More, including video, here.