Priti Patel MP delighted by Rivenhall Incinerator refusal
The MP for Witham, Priti Patel, has welcomed the decision by Essex County Council’s Development and Regulation Committee to refuse two planning applications relating to the Rivenhall Incinerator. The proposals included increasing the chimney stack height and the Council’s planning officers had recommended the applications for refusal. The grounds for refusal given by the Committee at their meeting on Friday 26th April were that the need for the incinerator facility had not been demonstrated and the negative impact on the landscape and on heritage assets.
The Witham MP, who has been campaigning against the incinerator with local residents, had issued a statement to the members of the Committee, prior to the meeting, expressing her opposition to the development. Commenting on the decision, Priti said: “The decision to refuse the latest planning applications is very welcome and marks a turning point in our campaign to get the Rivenhall Incinerator stopped. Since they were first granted planning permission by the then Labour Government in 2010, the applicants have been attempting to bulldoze though new changes to their plans. However, today we saw local residents being listened to on the basis of strong evidence demonstrating that the Rivenhall Incinerator is not needed and not welcome.
“I am delighted by this decision and I would pay tribute to the local residents and campaigners who have worked hard for this outcome. Despite the good news today, the fight is still not over. Another licensing application is being considered for a version of the development that has planning consent and the possibility remains of further efforts to secure planning permission. I will continue to work with local residents and campaigners to oppose the Rivenhall Incinerator and take whatever action I can to get it stopped.”
My full statement on today’s decision is herewith. View Statement.