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You are here: CIWM  >  Publications  >  Norfolk County Councils Local Concerns Spur Letter From Caroline Spelman

Norfolk County Councils Local Concerns Spur Letter From Caroline Spelman

2 June 2011

In light of local concerns over the energy-from-waste incinerator being developed under its long-term waste PFI contract, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman wrote to Norfolk county council, saying it must continue to meet criteria for government funding

Councillor Derrick Murphy, leader of the local authority, received the letter, which is reported to have pressed the need for the proposed 268,000 tonne-a-year capacity plant to meet the requirements of the funding stream, in particular in relation to issues of consultation and consensus.

The letter from Mrs Spelman is reported to have been spurred by the Environment Secretary meeting with two local MPs last month, where Henry Bellingham and Elizabeth Truss outlined perceived opposition to the energy-from-waste project.

The large-scale facility is being developed by waste management firm Cory and American energy-from-waste specialist Wheelabrator at the Willows Business Park in King's Lynn. Defra has allocated £169m of PFI funding towards the capital costs of the project.

Local opposition to the proposal is reported to have grown in recent weeks, with a poll held by West Norfolk and King's Lynn borough council in April indicating that 92 percent of 65,000 respondents opposed the plans.

A Defra spokesman said: "In light of local concerns about the project, the Environment Secretary met with local MPs to discuss the energy from waste project. We've asked Norfolk County Council to continue to ensure that the project continues to meet all of our PFI criteria including one on consultation and consensus."

A spokesman for Norfolk county council confirmed to letsrecycle.com that Cllr Murphy received a letter from Mrs Spelman regarding the energy-from-waste project but declined to reveal the exact content of the letter. However, he did state that the local authority intends to respond to the letter.

The spokesman said: "We have received a letter from Caroline Spelman to which we will respond shortly.

"We remain committed to the project which represents excellent value for money for Norfolk taxpayers but are happy to work with MPs and other elected representatives to ensure concerns are recognised as we move forward during the planning process which lies ahead."

Darrel Moore