We propose to develop an energy recovery facility in Leicestershire that will produce 21 megawatts of electricity from 300,000 tonnes per year of residual waste - waste left over after recycling, which would otherwise be landfilled. This power generation is equivalent to the average use in around 42,000 homes.
Update
We have lodged a second planning application for our proposed energy recovery facility as well as submitting an appeal against the refusal of our original planning application.
We submitted our original application to Leicestershire County Council in December 2009 for an energy recovery facility that would divert 300,000 tonnes a year of Leicestershire’s waste away from landfill and provide sufficient electricity to power approximately 42,000 homes.
This application was refused on 15th October 2010 because it was considered that the development would have an unacceptable impact on the Garendon Park estate and gardens. However last month the Environment Agency issued a draft Environmental Permit for the facility.
We have looked at ways to address the reasons given for refusal including preparing schemes to lessen any impact on Garendon Park.
Our new planning application therefore sets out the measures to overcome the issues that were raised. These include providing funding for the restoration of two of the listed structures within the park that are at risk as well as carrying out extensive woodland planting to restore a part of the original parkland landscape. The location, size and design of the actual plant is the same as in the original planning application.
If you would like to discuss the proposals you can contact us by email to newhurst@biffa.co.uk or by telephone on 08451 800 490 or you can write to us at Biffa Newhurst Energy, Information Centre, The Lansdowne Building, 2 Lansdowne Road, Croydon CR9 2ER
Appeal now lodged
In April we also lodged an appeal against the October 2010 planning refusal with the Planning Inspectorate. If the new application is approved quickly we will withdraw the appeal as there is no need for both. However, if the determination of the new application is delayed the appeal hearing may be scheduled first and we would proceed with that.
Our plan for the energy recovery facility is to construct an enclosed and environmentally controlled building that will house all the energy production processes. Waste will be delivered to a reception area within the building. Automated conveyors will transfer it to the combustion chamber where the heat will produce steam to power the electricity generators.
The plant will incorporate all the required environmental treatment and air pollution control systems to ensure the emissions to air are well within legal limits. Ash from the combustion process will be recycled as aggregates for the building and construction industry. The separate fly ash will be taken off site for disposal.
The plant will be located along the eastern side of the old quarry site, adjacent to the M1 motorway. Access will be via an improved existing quarry entrance in Ashby Road East, 300 metres from motorway junction 23.
In 2008 Biffa was granted planning consent on this site for a landfill operation to take 375,000 tonnes of waste a year. This consent is still valid.
