Calderdale Cabinet brushes off public questions about Sowerby Bridge incinerator permit application process

The long running saga of determined public opposition to the proposed Belmont small waste incinerator plant in Sowerby Bridge took another twist at the Calderdale Council Cabinet meeting on Monday 3rd June.

The Halifax Courier has reported a Public and Cabinet clash over the Sowerby Bridge incinerator company’s renewed environmental permit application process.

Members of the public protested about diverse issues – including that a report compiled for Calderdale Council by consultant Bureau Veritas only focused on one concern, air quality. It omitted issues raised by the Environment Agency about surface water flooding.

They also objected to Calderdale Council’s disregard of concerns the public had raised in relation to the renewed environmental permit application:

• design and calculation issues,
• the type of installation,
• working hours
• as well as more issues raised in 858 unanswered public objections to Calderdale Council’s planning department

A webcast of the meeting can be viewed here and the questions regarding the incinerator permit application start at 17 minutes.

Cabinet members failed to answer public questions accurately – or at all

The Benbow Group, which coordinates public opposition to the proposed incinerator, said that Cabinet members failed to answer public questions accurately – or at all, in some instances.

“You will hear that Mrs Pugh’s question was not answered correctly as her question was concerning correspondence she had sent to specific individuals at the Council regarding the process and not her objection as the answer assumed.

“Also Mr Wilkinson’s question regarding the latest consultation period and the Council’s failure to notify previous individuals who have submitted comments was not answered at the meeting as the Cabinet did not have a copy of the question or response.

“Mr Pugh’s question was concerning whether Calderdale Council will consider the additional issues with the application apart from solely air quality which they have instructed external consultants Bureau Veritas UK Limited to comment upon. The response provided no details and was dismissive.

“Councillor Steven Leigh MBE also asked, at 34 minutes, about the latest consultation period and who would make the decision. He was told the decision would be made by Officers and the first part of his question was ignored.”

The Benbow Group ask people to please pass this information to friends, family and neighbours who you know would like to be kept informed. If they email the Benbow Group (thebenbowgroup@gmail.com), their email address will be added to the Benbow Group mailing list.