Incinerator Bottom Ash Tax?

UK Without Incineration Network (UKWIN) commissioned a report in October 2010 to look into the problem of waste. They had some interesting conclusions about IBA:

"In yet another example of public finance going to support
incineration, it is clear that the current lower rate of taxation for
incinerator bottom ash (IBA) represents a significant and unjustified
subsidy to incineration with no environmental benefits.

"There is increasing evidence that a significant proportion of
incinerator bottom ash should now be regulated as hazardous
waste in any case – largely due to the high levels of lead and zinc
compounds the ashes contain."

They actually recommend raising the landfill tax on IBA to at least the same as normal waste. By the time the Devonport incinerator comes on-line, that rate would be close to £100/tonne.

To dispose of 60,000 tonnes of IBA, MVV would have to pay over £5,000,000 in tax alone. They clearly have a big incentive to claim it is inert.

Planning Application

As per our e-mail circular this morning, the planning application documents are now on-line...or they were at least!

http://www.devon.gov.uk/appref?id=3919&date=2011-07

They appear to have now been taken down. Obviously not ready for public consumption yet.

Update on local development

From the latest town council minutes. Not quite sure the implications of all this. Sound like some asset selling might be on the agenda though?

Reports from the County and District Councillors: Councillor P.Vogel...advised that he had been appointed the portfolio holder for housing and planning and also as the representative to Dartmoor National Park Authority and Development Control. Cllr Vogel confirmed that the Development Control Policy document had been recalled for further consideration due to affordable housing proposals and that a roadshow for the public will be held in Buckfastleigh on 19^th July in the Globe Car Park. Cllr Vogel also advised that Jeremy Christophers as the new leader of Teignbridge District Council has expressed an interest in becoming involved with local projects and Cllr Stuart Barker is now the portfolio holder for Teignbridge District Council assets. The Clerk was asked to request the list for Buckfastleigh.

Quarry Fight Not Yet Over

We got on the front page of this week's Mid Devon Advertiser.

Quarry Fight Not Yet Over

Incinerators and Human Rights Act

I just picked this up from the environmental permit for New England Quarry incinerator [actually I just noticed, it is actually the one in Cardiff for Viridor but these things are generic anyway. Still not sure if the NEQ one is on-line]. Interesting use of wording that "We do not believe that Convention rights are engaged in relation to this determination."

Can they prove this? Of course this wording means that it is open to legal challenge. Buckfastleigh will be able to challenge in a similar manner.

Dartmoor NPA Comment on Devon Minerals Core Strategy, June 2011

I think this has particular relevance for Whitecleave Quarry...

Dartmoor NPA:

With the imminent demise of the Devon County Structure Plan this Authority would urge the County Council to ensure that policy relating to protected landscapes is clearly and robustly reflected in the Minerals Core Strategy. Policy CO2 of the Structure Plan states that particular care will “be taken to ensure that no development is permitted outside Dartmoor or Exmoor National Parks which would damage their natural beauty, character and special qualities or otherwise prejudice the achievement of National Park purposes”. It would be important in the absence of a policy tier above the Core Strategy that the essence of this policy, which ensures development outside Dartmoor does not impact upon the special qualities of the National Park, is included within the Minerals Core Strategy.

Traffic Measures as Section 106 Agreements?

Viridor responded to seeing their planning application advised for rejection yesterday. Interesting comment on traffic that may have relevance for Buckfastleigh:

 Traffic: Viridor was unable to secure the land required to bypass Lee Mill, however provision of a “watchman” speed activated camera on both sides of the road, to alternate signs “30mph” and “SLOW DOWN”; a footway, 1.8m width on the southern side of Western Road; and enhancement of existing road signage and road markings would be undertaken on Western Road.

Certainly something to consider when proposing Section 106 Agreement's (a.k.a. Planning Obligations) alongside your comments to DCC on the planning for Whitecleave Quarry.

New England Quarry Incinerator 'Rejected'

DCC planning officers are recommending to reject Viridor's application to build a waste incinerator at New England Quarry near Ivybridge.

Details here:
NEQ Planning Report for Development Management Committee

Whitecleave Quarry Planning Application

Planning application was lodged on Friday afternoon.

Sue Penaluna, DCC's Planning Officer handling the application hopes to have reviewed it and have it registered by the end of this week, when the public consultation will start.

Town Hall Meeting 7th July

Thank you to everyone who helped out or attended our town hall meeting on 7th July. Around 250 people from all across the community attended to hear about proposals for Whitecleave Quarry and the likely impact it will have on town.

All the details are on our website at www.community.buckfastleigh.org