Minister challenged over refusal to call in Plymouth incinerator plans
COMMUNITIES Secretary Eric Pickles has been accused of double standards after failing to intervene over the building of a £140million incinerator in Plymouth.
The Tory Cabinet Minister was challenged in the Commons by Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View Alison Seabeck, over his decision to order an inquiry into proposals for a similar, and equally controversial waste facility in Norfolk.
The Labour politician argued the same criteria had been met to trigger a "call-in" in Plymouth's case.
The development of the energy from waste plant by Germany-based MVV Environment Devonport Limited at North Yard in Plymouth has provoked a storm of protest.
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It will handle up to 245,000 tonnes of rubbish a year from Plymouth, Torbay and South Devon. It is planned to start working in 2014.
The King's Lynn incinerator was given the go-ahead by Norfolk County Council planners in June, but was subsequently "called in" by the Secretary of State due to "substantial regional and national controversy".
It means a public inquiry will now be held with the final decision taken by the Government Minister.
Tackling Mr Pickles at Westminster, Ms Seabeck said: "Can he explain why my constituents, who are now going to have to live 150 metres away from a waste to energy plant, are being treated differently from those in Norfolk?
"The Secretary of State has called in a waste to energy plant in Norfolk; he has not called in the one in Plymouth, despite the fact that it covers three authorities and should therefore be of regional importance."
But responding, the Secretary of State said: "I looked very carefully at her representation, but we call in only where there are national and regional implications.
"None of the statutory undertakers has requested that it be called in. Ultimately, this issue should be dealt with by local people."
Speaking afterwards, Ms Seabeck said the Minister had refused to listen to the thousands of concerned Plymouth residents.
"If it's good enough for Norfolk to be of regional importance then it should be good enough for Plymouth, Devon & Torbay," she said.
Comments
by chrisplym0000
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 11:59PM
“What's wrong with the incinerator? I think it should be built as it will create jobs, and stimulate the local economy. The only people who oppose it are those on benefits who don't ever want to work.”
by Mark2Plym
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 11:57PM
“Remember the Navy has no other choice unless they want to spend millions of pounds to scrap nuclear submarines somewhere else but to undertake the work in Devonport, it is not going to produce many jobs for Plymouth, defueling team of about 20, Babcock and Navy experts about 100 none living in Plymouth, therefor give them the option, remove the incinerator from their land pay for the contract broken, then they can scrap their submarines at a price for Plymouth.”
by Mark2Plym
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 11:57PM
“Remember the Navy has no other choice unless they want to spend millions of pounds to scrap nuclear submarines somewhere else but to undertake the work in Devonport, it is not going to produce many jobs for Plymouth, defueling team of about 20, Babcock and Navy experts about 100 none living in Plymouth, therefor give them the option, remove the incinerator from their land pay for the contract broken, then they can scrap their submarines at a price for Plymouth.”
by Mark2Plym
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 11:57PM
“Remember the Navy has no other choice unless they want to spend millions of pounds to scrap nuclear submarines somewhere else but to undertake the work in Devonport, it is not going to produce many jobs for Plymouth, defueling team of about 20, Babcock and Navy experts about 100 none living in Plymouth, therefor give them the option, remove the incinerator from their land pay for the contract broken, then they can scrap their submarines at a price for Plymouth.”
by RoundHead0
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 11:23PM
“Residential properties at Talbot Gardens, Barne Barton are within 65 metres of the site. 450 residential properties lie within the MoD designated 250 metre radius danger zone; the MoD made sure the siting of this incinerator was a far away from dockyard infrastructure as possible. Thus as a consequence at least 450 innocent civilians will be in the danger zone; all before the affects to the entire city and beyond are considered.
Thanks a bunch Eric 'double standard as well as double helpings' Pickles!
What a disgrace!”
by b_mused
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 10:21PM
“Ms Seabeck says houses are within 150 metres of the plant - the petition suggests 60 metres. Which is correct?”
by emaphant
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 12:45PM
“Online petition - 'Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government: Call in plans for the proposed incinerator in Plymouth'
https://http://tinyurl.com/8vrty32”
by TheRedeemer89
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 11:56AM
“The last time Mr Pickles was in Plymouth he was met with a welcoming party consisting of local protesters which he completely ignored. I wonder if he'd be more susceptible to listen if Oliver Colvile objected. It's a shame the plant isn't near Oliver Colvile's house, I'm sure it would be immediately called in then.”
by fiest1406
Monday, September 24 2012, 11:43PM
“One would have thought Mr Pickles and noted there are clear national implications that of security....being less then 500 meters as the crow flies from a nuclear dump and the nations nuclear deterrent. How can you have a secure Naval Base with an explosive asset directly opposite....Is this why crown immunity still allows Government to overrule local democracy?”
by Oyster_Bay
Monday, September 24 2012, 8:55PM
“I have attempted to create an e-petition to debate whether the strength of feeling within Plymouth is really against the Incinerator. The Petition is to ask Mr Pickles to apply the same standards with the Plymouth incinerator that he has applied to the Norfolk incinerator. Will post a link if it is approved.”