Calderdale Council refuses Sowerby Bridge waste incinerator application

Protesters gathered outside Halifax Town Hall ahead of the meeting which saw Cabinet members discuss the application from Calder Valley Skip Hire Ltd for a permit to operate a small waste incinerator plant on Mearclough Road in Sowerby Bridge.

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The original application for an Environmental Permit was dismissed just before Christmas amidst passionate protests from residents and environmental campaigners.

The application was received in October 2017 and since that time consultation has taken place, with representations received from local people and the Environment Agency, Public Health England, Natural England and Calderdale Council’s Planning, Countryside and Public Health teams.

When determining an Environmental Permit, officers have to consider a number of technical factors including the protection of the environment and human health, and European legislation. The recommendation of officers was to grant the application.

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After considering the application, council members were concerned by the proposed height of the chimney on the site and that the site could have a negative environmental impact on areas which are already a concern.

Protesters outside the Town Hall could be heard cheering as they were told that Calderdale Council had refused the Environmental Permit.

Although the application has been refused, the applicant is able to appeal against the decision.