Controversial plans to build a £60 million waste incinerator in Shrewsbury have been thrown out to the delight of campaigners.
Members of Shropshire Council’s strategic planning committee yesterday voted unanimously to reject Veolia’s development as rapturous applause broke out among the 70-strong public gallery after nearly four hours of debate.
Campaigners were concerned about possible health risks if the development was allowed at Battlefield.
Councillor Joyce Barrow said: “I don’t actually have a problem with the site but it’s the health risks I have a problem with.”
But their joy may be short-lived as Veolia bosses today said they were considering appealing the decision.
Donald Macphail, managing director for Veolia Shropshire, said: “The decision by Shropshire Council to refuse our planning application is a huge disappointment.
“But we have a strong application and we will now consider the merits of an appeal to the Secretary of State.”
A furious row erupted at the meeting after Nick Taylor, the council’s assistant director for strategy and development, said members of the planning committee did not have to take notice of “irrational fears” concerning perceived risks to public health.
The meeting had to be adjourned for a short period to restore order and at one point Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski, attending on behalf of the protesters, was warned by a solicitor he could be thrown out after interrupting Mr Taylor.
Councillor Jean Jones proposed councillors should reject the plans for several reasons.
These included two main points – that it was unacceptable to have a mass burner as this had been excluded in the local waste plan, and the impact on the visual landscape of an incinerator next to the historically significant Battlefield site.
The proposal was carried unanimously.