Details for the public hearings related to the Wisbech incinerator project have been announced – and those who wish to participate need to register in advance. 

The company MVV Environment has submitted a national infrastructure application to the Planning Inspectorate for the incinerator to be built on the Algores Way Industrial Estate. 

If given the go-ahead, the ‘Medworth Energy from Waste Combined Heat and Power Facility’ would burn household waste to generate electricity.  

The proposed site would be capable of handling up to 625,600 tonnes of waste per year, aiming to generate up to 55MWe of electricity that would exported to the grid.  

It would also have the capability to export steam and electricity to users on the surrounding industrial estate. 

Interested Parties – such as councils, MPs, community organisations, residents and campaigners – had to let the Planning Inspectorate know if they wanted to have a say on the proposals. 

They now have until 11:59pm tomorrow if they wish to speak to the team examining the application at upcoming public hearings, known as ‘Open Floor Hearings’.  

The Planning Inspectorate has announced these will take place at The Boathouse Business Centre in Wisbech on Wednesday, February 22 from 6pm and Thursday, February 23 from 10am. 

They will also be held virtually.  

Anyone who wishes to attend – even if they just want to observe - must register using the advance registration form on its website.  

“Wake up Wisbech” - anti-incinerator campaigners say 

Wisbech Standard: Protestors outside one of the public consultations into the Wisbech incinerator proposals. Protestors outside one of the public consultations into the Wisbech incinerator proposals. (Image: Ian Carter)

Ginny Bucknor, who heads the campaign group Wisbech Without Incineration (WisWIN), said: “Wake up Wisbech – this is really happening now.  

“This is such an important issue for our future generations. We need to stand up and fight this hideous application. 

“The Planning Inspectorate received over 660 responses against the Wisbech incinerator - and MVV say there's support for it.

“How dare they suggest that when there’s only six responses in favour of the application?” 

She added a number of their members plan on speaking at the meeting. 

Among the campaign group’s many concerns include the potential air pollution generated as well as the impact and size the facility would have on the surrounding area.  

They are also worried about the substantial increase in lorry movements to and from the site.  

Who will be attending the hearings?

Wisbech Standard: MP Steve Barclay at Algores Way, Wisbech, where the proposed incinerator would be built.MP Steve Barclay at Algores Way, Wisbech, where the proposed incinerator would be built. (Image: Stephen Barclay)

North East Cambridgeshire MP Steve Barclay’s office has confirmed with campaigners he will attend along with an expert consultant advising him on the application. 

Publicly, Mr Barclay, who is also the health secretary, has been against the issue since he was first informed of proposals to build the incinerator towards the end of 2019.  

An aide to South West Norfolk MP Liz Truss said her diary is not going to be able to accommodate the hearings. Previously, she has publicly opposed the application.

West Norfolk Council, Fenland District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, Norfolk County Council and Wisbech Town Council have all said they have representatives attending.  

This week, West Norfolk Council has been reminding those who wish to have their say to register. 

The council’s website says it “has taken a keen interest in these proceedings, even though the facility itself will be in [the] Wisbech and Fenland district”. 

“The grid connection route and substation would, however, be within the Borough of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk,” it explains.  

Can anyone speak at the hearings?  

Wisbech Standard: The 'Open Floor Hearings' about the incinerator will be held at The Boathouse Business Centre in Wisbech.The 'Open Floor Hearings' about the incinerator will be held at The Boathouse Business Centre in Wisbech. (Image: FDC)

West Norfolk Council also explains that residents who do not wish to attend the meeting but would like to make their views known could contact their parish council.  

If it is one of the five Norfolk parish councils registered as Interested Parties, it may be able to incorporate their perspective into their testimony.  

Those who still wish to speak at the hearings but have not registered as an Interested Party may still be able to – at the discretion of those examining the application.  

They should still contact the Planning Inspectorate on medworth@planninginspectorate.gov.uk or call 0303 444 5000 to let them know in advance.    

How has Wisbech Town Council been fighting the proposals?  

Wisbech Standard: Early public meeting about the Wisbech incinerator proposals.Early public meeting about the Wisbech incinerator proposals. (Image: Archant)

Wisbech Town Council set aside £30,000 to engage a specialist consultant to fight the incinerator proposals. 

A press release issued today explains some of the money was used to produce the council’s submission to the Planning Inspectorate.  

This was put together by Adams Hendry Planning Solutions based in Winchester.  

The town council’s release also says: “... it is anticipated that the remaining balance will be sufficient to meet the anticipated costs of specialist consultancy advice and support through to conclusion of the Planning Inspectorate’s examination...”  

Councillor Peter Human, town clerk Terry Jordan and the consultant will be attending the hearing. 

The Wisbech “Mega” incinerator 

Wisbech Standard: One of the boards displayed at a public consultation into the Wisbech incinerator proposals. One of the boards displayed at a public consultation into the Wisbech incinerator proposals. (Image: Ian Carter)

MVV held public consultations about their proposals throughout 2020 and 2021 – during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.  

Early proposals revealed the chimney would likely be around 95 metres high – the spire of Ely Cathedral is 66 metres. There will now be two. 

In its cover letter to the planning inspectorate, MVV argues the development will “help meet the urgent need for new energy infrastructure in the UK, providing enhanced energy security”.  

The company also says the site will “deliver additional renewable energy capacity" and address the current lack of non-landfill options for waste.  

Today (Wednesday), MVV confirmed it will be taking part in the upcoming hearings in Wisbech. 

A spokesperson said: “The hearings are run by the Planning Inspectorate according to their published agenda and timetable.   

“Full details are available on the Planning Inspectorate’s website, a link for which can be found on the home page of MVV’s project website: https://www.mvv-medworthchp.co.uk/ .”