The company behind the Wisbech incinerator insists consent for the project remains valid, despite decision documents being withdrawn from the planning inspectorate’s website.  

MVV Environment wants to build what’s understood to be one of Europe’s biggest incinerator plants on the industrial estate at Algores Way.  

The government approved the scheme on Tuesday (February 21) with the relevant documents published officially on the National Planning Infrastructure website.  

But those had been removed by Wednesday evening (February 22) with an update saying “clarification is being sought” on the consent decision.  

Paul Carey, the managing director of MVV Environment, says he has since been advised the decision remains in force as the documents have been published.  

In a statement, he said: “We have received the consent and according to our legal advice this remains valid.   

“We are proceeding with the further development of the project in accordance with the [Development Consent Order]." 

Mr Carey added the original documents remain available on the project’s website.

It is not known why the decision has been withdrawn, though grassroots campaigners understand the situation is unprecedented.  

Wisbech Standard: Wisbech without Incineration (WisWIN) regularly held protests against the incinerator proposals.Wisbech without Incineration (WisWIN) regularly held protests against the incinerator proposals. (Image: Ian Carter)Virginia Bucknor, spokesperson for Wisbech without Incineration (WisWIN), said: “I have spoken to specialists, and they have never seen anything like this before.  

“The decision has shocked the community here in Wisbech and we’re still waiting to find out why it has been withdrawn.” 

The scheme – known as the Medworth Energy from Waste Combined Heat and Power Facility Development Consent Decision – is located close to schools and homes.  

As well as the environmental impact, there are also concerns about its scale and the number of additional lorries it will generate on the roads.    

Wisbech Standard: Campaigners have been fighting the proposals since they were first made public late 2019.Campaigners have been fighting the proposals since they were first made public late 2019. (Image: Ian Carter)Claire Coutinho is the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and was responsible for the final decision. 

Her department has said an update on the matter will be issued in due course.

Meanwhile, Fenland District Council is considering a legal challenge in a bid to stop the plant from being built. 

An emergency motion is being put to Monday’s full council (February 26) on whether it will seek legal advice on a potential legal challenge to the decision.  

Steve Barclay, the MP for North East Cambridgeshire and the Environment Secretary, has opposed the scheme as soon as the proposals were first revealed in late 2019.  

Wisbech Standard: Steve Barclay, is the Environment Secretary and MP for North East Cambridgeshire, the constituency where the Wisbech incinerator was approved earlier this week.Steve Barclay, is the Environment Secretary and MP for North East Cambridgeshire, the constituency where the Wisbech incinerator was approved earlier this week. (Image: Stephen Barclay)After Tuesday’s decision was published, he said: “I’m extremely disappointed that development consent has been granted for the Wisbech incinerator.  

“As residents are aware, I have campaigned against this proposal and my thanks go to all those campaigners, individuals and organisations who have supported me along the way. 

“There is a lot to digest in the [60 page] decision letter and recommendation report and I will review that to try to understand why this scheme has been approved and how we might move forward.” 

Mr Barclay has not yet commented specifically on the decision’s withdrawal.