Tensions were running high after councillors and members of the public voiced their opposition to the idea of an incinerator being built in Wisbech.
Lack of demand, damage to local businesses and appearance were some of the reasons discussed by those against the plans at an open floor hearing at the Boathouse Business Centre on February 22.
Most who came forward at the hearing reacted to MVV Environment Ltd’s proposal to build an incinerator on land off the Algores Way Industrial Estate in Wisbech.
The firm says the site would divert more than half a million tonnes of non-recyclable waste from landfill a year, generating more than 50 megawatts of electricity.
It would also have the capability to export steam and electricity to heat local factories.
'No real reason' for incinerator
Cllr Richard Blunt, representing Walsoken, West Walton and Walpole ward on West Norfolk Council, was first to share his views on the plans which he feels do not add up.
“There is clearly not enough waste to meet the site needs in Wisbech,” he told planning inspector Andre Pinto.
“There is no real reason why the plant needs to be here.”
Cllr Stuart Dark MBE, leader of West Norfolk Council, believes the proposals are “driven by commercial interest, is too large, not needed and in the wrong location.”
Traffic issues caused by an influx of lorries driving to and from the incinerator were also raised.
David Gutteridge, a Wisbech resident, fears more traffic would be forced through Cromwell Road and towards Freedom Bridge.
Mr Gutteridge said: “If the incinerator is built, I feel it would be the epicentre of pollution in the area.”
READ MORE: Wisbech incinerator protests take place ahead of hearings
Dr Jennifer Haine, a GP and mother who lives in Wisbech, feels the level of particulates due to be released by the incinerator would be unsafe for her family, friends and work colleagues.
Local resident Bob Mitchell questioned where lorries transferring waste to the incinerator would go if the A47, one of the main access points for the plant, is closed.
Plans are insult to Medworth, says councillor
Mervyn Sargeant is of Hair World UK Ltd which has a premises directly opposite where the incinerator is due to be located.
His firm provides wigs to the NHS, particularly cancer patients, and was concerned whether the incinerator’s output would be suitable for them.
Mr Sargeant also worried about the impact the plans would have on other businesses on Algores Way.
Cllr Sam Hoy, a Wisbech town, district and county councillor, fears MVV's plans are too close to where a new secondary school is planned, as well as thousands of pupils en route to school.
"If built, I believe this [incinerator] will end chances for Wisbech rail," she said.
"I want to know why are we having the largest incinerator in the UK in Wisbech?"
Cllr Hoy added she believes building the plant would maintain some people's belief that "Wisbech is a dumping ground" despite residents aiming to improve the town's appearance.
She also found the facility, named the ‘Medworth Energy from Waste Combined Heat and Power Facility’, an insult to Joseph Medworth who she said brought good to Wisbech.
Fellow Wisbech councillor Steve Tierney, representing the Medworth ward, admitted it has been difficult to find any constituents that support the plans.
"The more body blows we take, the weaker you became and this application is a body blow," he said.
Catastrophe waiting to happen, believes businesswoman
Helen Pentelow, a business owner on Europa Way serving the film industry including Warner Bros, is concerned that the works could be detrimental to her firm.
She told the hearing: "Our main customers drive from London, and delays are not acceptable to multi-national companies."
Ms Pentelow, also a member of campaign group Wisbech Without Incineration (WisWIN), said that Algores Way is served by Weasenham Lane which suffers from issues such as road closures and sinkholes.
But Wayne Cook, a local resident, was in favour of MVV's plans.
Mr Cook said local authorities have had "ample years to sort the road situation.
"We cannot keep putting things in landfill; it costs us to send waste abroad and we need to start taking responsibility for our own waste."
Another resident, Jenny Perryman, feels the plans are discriminating the environment and local authorities who have opposed the incinerator.
Paul Merrell, whose family are from Wisbech, questioned the need for the incinerator and labelled the proposals as "an absolute nightmare.
"The reason MVV chose Wisbech was because of a greater need for energy; you what?"
'Mr Unpopular' says incinerator needed in Wisbech
Paul Carey, managing director of MVV Environment Ltd, closed the hearing by addressing those in attendance on the positive impact an incinerator will have on the town.
Mr Carey said he was "going in as the most unpopular person in the room".
He admitted that he had similar feelings when MVV's plans for an incinerator in Plymouth, which is now built, were discussed.
Mr Carey encouraged those watching on to attend a future hearing on the plans, and that residual waste would be diverted from landfill in order to create heat and electricity.
He said the Health Protection Agency stated incinerators are not a risk to public health and these facilities are important for securing energy.
Mr Carey stated his vision to turn Algores Way into a public right of way to allow traffic in and out of the incinerator site.
"We want to be a good member of the community and I feel that has been the case in Plymouth and Dundee," he said.
"We will provide useful energy into the local community and I hope one day, you don't regard me as Mr Unpopular."
What happens next?
A second open floor hearing into MVV Environment Ltd's plans took place earlier today (Thursday).
This allows individuals and community groups to share their views on the proposals to the planning inspector.
The public forum follows an issue specific hearing and a preliminary meeting earlier this week.
READ MORE: MVV states its case to build incinerator in Wisbech
Both open floor hearings are being covered by this publication, where you can keep updated with the latest incinerator coverage.
The Planning Inspectorate has up to six months to carry out the examination of the application, which is classed as "nationally significant".
It must then prepare a report on the application to the relevant secretary of state including a recommendation within three months.
The secretary of state then has three months to make the decision on whether the plant should be built.
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