A council in North Yorkshire has defended plans for a waste incinerator despite protests by residents who say the money should be spend on increasing recycling. Protesters says the planned Allerton Quarry plant, near Knaresborough, would be an eyesore, while the council maintains that it would steer 90 per cent of waste away from landfill.
The council went on to say that it expected waste in the small rural town to increase in the coming years, and although it is committed to recycling, other strategies would also be needed.
A group of residents joined in protest outside the council offices on Wednesday. In an interview with the BBC, resident Nick Wilson said the plans for the incinerator have moved quickly with little chance for public consultation. He added that by the time the can comment, when the planning application comes through, it will be too late.
AmeyCespa is the preferred bidder to build the new facility and a decision on whether or not to go ahead with plans will be made later in the year. A vote in the autumn will see the council decide whether the company can proceed in submitting a planning application.
North Yorkshire Council’s director of waste management Ian Fielding said the council invites any comments from residents and values their input in the decision making process. He added that the area generates around 45,000 tonnes of waste every year and that this is likely to grow as the economy improves and more housing is built.
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