Environment Minister Jane Davidson has decided not to call in the controversial application by Viridor Waste Management Ltd to build an energy from waste plant in Cardiff Bay.
Plaid Cymru AM Leanne Wood was told by the Minister: “After consideration of the issues it was decided that the application did not raise issues which warranted taking responsibility for determining the application away from the local planning authority.”
Cardiff council has since issued the decision notice giving planning permission and the Environment Agency will be announcing shortly a draft decision on Viridor’s application for an environmental permit at Trident Park, Ocean Way. It is holding a public information session next week.
Leanne Wood, who opposed the scheme, said: “I’m disappointed that the Minister did not call in the application for consideration because this scheme could have a massive environmental impact in Cardiff.
“The major concern with incineration is that the plant will require vast amounts of waste on an ongoing basis to make it viable. The risk is that this will reduce incentives for recycling. We should all be recycling more not less.
“There are fears from the local communities and environmental groups that this incinerator will produce harmful emissions, and that the level of energy produced will be inefficient. Green groups argue that best way of getting energy through waste is through recycling. I share their concerns that and this scheme threatens the gains we have made on that front.”
Fellow Plaid AM Chris Franks, whose South Wales Central regional seat includes Cardiff, added: “Residents in Splott and Butetown are quite rightly concerned about this proposed development. Plaid continues to oppose the use of waste incinerators and support binding targets for waste prevention. There should be higher targets for recycling waste and consideration should be given for a higher landfill tax. Plaid will campaign for changes in public procurement legislation so councils can favour materials from recycled and local services.”
