Government move gives hope to campaigners fighting Wisbech incinerator
New environmental rules around incinerators have been laid out
Last updated 3rd Jan 2025
Campaigners aiming to stop a waste incinerator from being built in Wisbech have been given new hope in their fight against the plans.
Developers will need to show the amount of non-recyclable waste going to landfill will be reduced, or that an older, less efficient incinerator is being replaced.
It's part of the Government's move to stop new incinerators that don't meet environmental rules.
Ginny Bucknor is from Wisbech Without Incineration:
"It's clear that it (the incinerator) shouldn't be happening," she said.
"What is required by this Government is they need to invest more with the Environment Agency (EA) so that the EA can monitor whether those standards are being met."
Under the new rules, any projects will need to support plans for economic growth, net zero and the move to a circular economy, which encourages the reuse and regeneration of materials while reducing waste that goes to landfill.
Companies looking to build incinerators will also need to show how they will make use of the heat they create.
Ms Bucknor is hopeful for what the Labour Party are now pledging.
"I'm somewhat optimistic, linear economy meaning either dump it in the ground or burn it, and they're (the current Government) saying 'no, there's another alternative' which is about recycling or renewing, which is a much more positive outcome," she said.
"We've got so many incinerators already in this country, why do we want more? There is clear evidence we've reached maximum capacity."
Change of stance
Ahead of last summer's general election, the Conservative Party - who led the previous Government - said in its manifesto that it would block new waste incinerators being built, including those who've recently had their permit approved.
Last year, the Environment Agency granted a permit to MVV Environment Ltd for the Wisbech incinerator, which would be used to generate more than 50 megawatts of electricity to power 74,000 homes.
At the time, a spokesperson for MVV Environment said it "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.”
MVV Environment Ltd believes the £300 million incinerator - on Algores Way - will also divert more than 500,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste from landfill every year.
Incinerator 'doesn't make sense'
A judicial review - put forward by Fenland District Council - against the previous Government's decision to approve the Wisbech incinerator was also refused by the High Court.
"There's plenty of MPs who've said that the worst thing to do for the environment is to burn and use incinerators, and I'm hoping this Government will look at what the current situation is now," Ms Bucknor added.
"It doesn't make sense for investors to invest in unproductive incinerators so we'd like to see the money put forward in the circular economy rather than incinerators."