The Environment Agency has granted an environmental permit to the controversial Wisbech incinerator project.   

In February, MVV Environment was granted permission to build what’s understood to be one of Europe’s biggest incinerator plants on the industrial estate at Algores Way.  

But in April, a temporary ban was put in place on issuing permits for new incinerator plants in England.  

That order expired last Friday (May 24) - and within days the Environment Agency issued MVV Environment’s permit on Wednesday (May 29).  

The decision document accompanying the permit said: “We have decided to grant the permit to the applicant.  

“This will allow it to operate the installation, subject to the conditions in the permit.  

“We consider that, in reaching that decision, we have taken into account all relevant considerations and legal requirements and that the permit will ensure that a high level of protection is provided for the environment and human health.” 

The plant will be known as the Medworth Energy from Waste CHP Facility. 

The environmental permit issued this week allows the facility to process 625,600 tonnes of waste per year.  

This includes non-hazardous household, commercial and industrial waste.  

Conditions attached to the permit include the incinerator operator having “a written management system that identifies and minimises risks of pollution”. 

This will be reviewed at least every three years or otherwise at the request of the Environment Agency.  

Monitoring of groundwater will take place at least once every five years, and 10 years for the soil.  

Measures will also have to be in place to ensure the energy is being generated and used efficiently at the plant. 

Wisbech Standard: Campaign group WisWIN have been fighting the incinerator since the plans were first announced in 2019.Campaign group WisWIN have been fighting the incinerator since the plans were first announced in 2019. (Image: Ian Carter)When the Environment Agency proposed granting the permit earlier this year, over 870 parties contributed towards the public consultation over the decision. 

Campaigners against the proposals remain concerned about pollution and the increase in traffic from lorries travelling to and from the plant.  

Virginia Bucknor from the campaign group WisWIN has vowed to keep fighting, even though the project can press ahead now. 

She said: “There are two strands we can focus on now.  

“Fenland District Council is investigating a judicial review where a judge decides whether to go forwards – and that decision can be made at any time.  

“Then there’s the calling of the general election, which may also work in our favour.  

“If the latest polls are right and there is a change of government, they could accept a parliamentary committee’s view that the UK is at over capacity when it comes to incinerators.  

“It could, therefore, be able to put a stop all further incinerator plans.” 

Mrs Bucknor is also urging supporters to write to the team hosting a national television debate between both Rishi Sunak and Kier Starmer, asking them for their views on waste incineration.  

“We will not give up,” she said, “and we will continue to try everything possible to stop this mega incinerator from being built.” 

Fenland District Council has been approached for comment and asked for a status update on the judicial review.  

Wisbech Standard: Paul Carey, managing director of MVV Environment which is building the plant.Paul Carey, managing director of MVV Environment which is building the plant. (Image: Planning Inspectorate)Meanwhile, Paul Carey, the company's managing director, said: “We are pleased to see the environmental permit of our project granted, after completing the due process.       

“We want to assure the local community in Wisbech that we will be a good neighbour as we build and operate the new facility, as we have already demonstrated at our facilities in Plymouth and Dundee.”