Meeting to decide controversial plans to majorly expand operations of Whittlesey incinerator
A planning meeting will decide the future of a major planned expansion of a waste recycling facility in Whittlesey.
In 2024, Johnson Aggregates Recycling Limited submitted an application to expand operations at its incinerator bottom ash and construction/demolition plant at the former Saxongate brick pits on Peterborough Road in Whittlesey.
IBA is the leftover residue after burning waste, it can contain a variety of materials such as metals- iron, aluminium, copper and zinc-, concrete, ceramics, glass and brick.
Currently, the capacity of the facility is 250,000 tonnes of both waste types a year but the application seeks to increase this to 614,000. Lorry movements would also be expected to rise from 92 a day to 332.
The plans have been strongly criticised by resident groups, as well as Whittlesey Town Council and Fenland District Council.
Residents have long called for action over an strong odour that has been hanging over the town, believed to be coming from the site as well as raising a number of concerns about the impact the site was having on the health of people in the area.
They have also raised concerns about the timing of the meeting given the close proximity to a host of new traffic, odour and noise reports published only this month.
The Saxongate residents group has said: “A significant amount has happened in a very short time. New traffic, odour and noise reports from Johnsons were only published earlier this month. Further technical objections and responses have been submitted. Investigations into site conditions are ongoing.
"It is concerning that so much new and material information has emerged so close to the committee date, leaving limited time for residents and consultees to review and comment properly.
“Saxongate has submitted further detailed feedback and we continue to work hard behind the scenes with technical advisers and other organisations.”
The increase in production would also see an estimated 20 jobs created, taking the staff numbers to over 50.
The application states that the plans have been put forward to enable JARL “to improve the company’s operational flexibility.”
Considering health benefits, the application states: “The proposed development will have a positive impact on health as it will offer new employment opportunities and encourage employees to adopt active transport modes as part of their commute.
"There will be some potential health disbenefits, largely from increases in HGV traffic, but for air quality, odour and fugitive dust, it is judged that there will be no material change in the health of the existing population.
“Mitigation measures will be in place for noise and transport, including routing arrangements that can be secured by the imposition of planning condition(s).
“Taking into account the demographic of Fenland and the area immediately surrounding the site, it is judged that the proposed development will not disproportionately affect any specific vulnerable groups, for example, the elderly or children, in the population, nor will it have a significant impact on public health.”
Residents have been encouraged to attend the meeting in person which is taking place at new Shire Hall in Alconbury on March 4 at 10:30am.