Leaders to decide on controversial Calderdale incinerator environmental permit

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet will determine a controversial permit application which will allow a company to operate an incincerator in the borough if it is approved.
Calder Valley Skip Hire, Belmont Waste Recycling Centre, Rochdale Road, Sowerby BridgeCalder Valley Skip Hire, Belmont Waste Recycling Centre, Rochdale Road, Sowerby Bridge
Calder Valley Skip Hire, Belmont Waste Recycling Centre, Rochdale Road, Sowerby Bridge

When it meets on Monday, February 8, members will consider an application for an Environmental Permit from Calder Valley Skip Hire Ltd.

The company has applied for the permit to operate a small waste incinerator plant (SWIP) at Belmont Industrial Estate, Rochdale Road, Sowerby Bridge.

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The council must determine the application and either grant it with conditions or refuse it.

Calderdale Council initially refused planning permission for the incinerator in December 2017 but following a public inquiry, permission for the incinerator was granted by the Government appointed Planning Inspector in February 2020.

Leader of the Council, Coun Tim Swift (Lab, Town) said: “The council is now required to make a decision on the outcome of the application from Calder Valley Skip Hire for an Environmental Permit.

“This decision is to be taken by Cabinet in accordance with the Environmental Permitting Regulations of 2016.

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“We know that there is a lot of local concern around this application.

“Cabinet will take into account representation both for and against the permit and the findings of the external and independent consultant before reaching a decision.”

Council officers have recommended to Cabinet members that they should approve the permit.

If they refuse it, members will have to provide theirown reasons for refusal.

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Briefing papers for the item say determination of an environmental permit application is an objective and technical consideration.

The council has appointed a specialist external consultant to independently assess the application and provide their recommendation.

When determining an environmental permit, a number of technical factors need to be considered including the protection of the environment and human health in line with Government and European legislation.

In addition to these, a number of specific issues have been considered, including representations made during the consultation, say the papers.

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Nearly 100 comments were received as part of the consultation process, from residents and councillors as well as the local MPs.

In addition, the views of the Environment Agency and Public Health England were also published – all of these comments have been assessed as part of the consultant’s consideration of the application.

Acording to the papers, the consultant’s recommendation is that the incinerator can comply with the necessary statutory requirements, as set by the EU or by the Government.

The recommendation of officers is therefore to grant the application, but in view of the significant public interest the recommendation will now be considered by Cabinet.

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If the application is refused, the applicant is able to appeal to the Secretary of State to finally determine it.

The meeting will take place virtually and will be live streamed through the council’s YouTube channel from 6pm.