Press release - Sep 18, 2009 09:00 AM

SITA Cornwall submits appeal for Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre

Cornwall Council's recycling and waste management contractor, SITA Cornwall, can confirm that it has submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate against the refusal of planning permission for the Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre (CERC).

This appeal is in line with the company’s contract and follows instruction from Cornwall Council to institute proceedings.

The CERC would recover energy from waste that would otherwise be landfilled, producing sufficient electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 21,000 homes. In addition, heat can also be provided to nearby industry, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels by the China clay industry.

David Buckle, Project Director at SITA UK, said: “Cornwall is facing an urgent waste management crisis, with landfill tax placing an increasing financial burden on Cornwall’s taxpayers and suitable landfill sites rapidly running out. It is vital that the residual household waste Cornwall produces each year, more than 200,000 tonnes, can be managed effectively, for the good of the whole county. This problem is not going away.

“There is a pressing need for the CERC, which can avoid the looming waste problem, while putting non-recycled rubbish to good use to generate a reliable source of energy. A successful appeal provides the greatest chance of delivering this much needed facility.”

“The appeal will be overseen by the Planning inspectorate, who will impartially assess the application against local, regional and national policies. SITA Cornwall will respond to the reasons for refusal given by Cornwall County Council, thereby addressing the local concerns which have been expressed.

“As more detail becomes available, we are committed to communicating openly and effectively throughout the appeal process”.