MP Kawczynski demands incinerator application be called-in

Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski today said he has written to the Secretary of State demanding he call-in controversial plans to build a multi-million pound incinerator in the town.

The Tory MP accused Shropshire Council of "consistently ignoring" mass public opinion against the proposed burner in Battlefield and claimed the facility was incompatible with the Waste Local Plan.

He has now written to Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government, urging him to call-in the planning application by Veolia for the £60 million incinerator.

It comes after Shropshire Council officers issued a report recommending councillors approve the scheme when they gather for a special meeting on July 26.

The report concludes that while the proposals are "not fully consistent" with the Shropshire Waste Local Plan, they represent a "potentially acceptable" solution for cutting the amount of rubbish going to landfill and helping the recycling targets.

Ignored

But Mr Kawczynski said the Waste Local Plan outlaws Mass Burn Incineration and claims the burner should be rejected immediately.

His letter says: "I realise that ordinarily this would be a matter for the council to decide upon.

"I feel however, that the council has consistently ignored mass public opinion against these plans and it is for this reason that I have chosen to make Shrewsbury's case against the incinerator to you as the final arbiter.

"This incinerator is neither necessary, nor suitable for Shropshire's waste needs, and this is a situation in need of serious redress.

"It is on this basis that I am asking you today, in your capacity as the Secretary of State, to call this project in for review.

"This is the right decision to take."

Ian Kilby, head of development management with Shropshire Council, said: "The officer report and recommendation before members will have regard to the development plan and other material considerations including national policy and a wide range of consultee responses from technical bodies and local people."

By Russell Roberts