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You are here: CIWM  >  Publications  >  Latest News  >  Planning appeal success for Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre

Planning appeal success for Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre

1 June 2011

Secretary of State, Eric Pickles MP, has approved plans prepared by Royal Town Planning Institute Planning Consultancy of the Year Terence O'Rourke Ltd for SITA UK's Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre, following an appeal

The plant, at Rostowrack Farm, near St Dennis in Cornwall's clay country, will treat residual waste, diverting it away from landfill.

Energy recovered from the waste will be used to generate electricity and can provide heat to the adjacent china clay dryers. Metals will be recycled from the plant's bottom ash, which will then be cured on site before being taken away for use as a secondary aggregate.

Terence O'Rourke Ltd was appointed planning and lead environmental consultant in 2006. The proposals had to overcome complex planning, ecological and visual impact issues.

The practice prepared the planning application and environmental impact assessment for the plant, and secured a recommendation for approval to the county's planning committee in March 2009.

After the planning application was refused, Terence O'Rourke Ltd assisted SITA UK's legal team prepare the appeal, which began in March 2010. The practice provided expert witnesses for planning, landscape and visual assessment, ecology (including Appropriate Assessment issues) and cultural heritage.

The practice is now working with SITA UK and Cornwall Council to discharge the planning conditions before work can start on site.

Terence O'Rourke Ltd's Managing Director, Tim Hancock, said: "Waste infrastructure projects such as these remain controversial with local communities.

"The Secretary of State's decision highlights the increasing importance of stakeholder engagement and preparing a robust, evidence-based planning submission that can withstand close public scrutiny at inquiry."

David Buckle, Project Director at SITA UK said: "Since the early days of this proposal, Terence O'Rourke Ltd have proven to be professional, reliable and robust consultants.

"We always believed that the Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre is the best technical, financial and environmental solution for managing Cornwall's waste."

Terence O'Rourke Ltd led a team including ERM, WSP and Bond Pearce.

For more information visit www.sitauk.co.uk

Darrel Moore