Hertfordshire County Council’s Development Control Committee has approved plans for Veolia to build an energy from waste facility in Hoddesdon.
Ian Reay, Chair of the Council’s Development Control Committee, said: “We’ve reached this decision after a lengthy debate on the pros and cons of Veolia’s proposals.
“We’ve heard representations on the impacts this facility will have on the local area – including concerns about noise, pollution and traffic as well as the potential impact on the local air quality.
“But on the other hand, we’ve heard about the urgent need for a waste treatment facility in the county, the lack of suitable alternative sites and the positive impact the proposal will have on the local economy.
“It hasn’t been a straightforward decision – and I know it won’t be universally popular – but overall the committee felt that the negative impacts of the facility are clearly outweighed by the benefits, and therefore we’ve resolved that planning permission be granted for the proposal subject to appropriate planning conditions and the prior conclusion of a Section 106 agreement.”
A Veolia spokesperson added: “In December 2017 Hertfordshire’s Development Control Committee resolved to grant permission for this much needed treatment infrastructure. The Rye House planning application is a long-term and sustainable solution to handle Hertfordshire’s residual waste challenge and this decision allows us to move the project forward subject to a review by DCLG. This represents a significant investment in the UK’s delivery of low carbon energy and benefits the environment allowing waste to be treated locally and maximising landfill diversion.”
The Secretary of State may now choose to call in the application for his determination. If he doesn’t call in the application, the council will issue a formal decision notice granting planning permission upon the completion of the Section 106 Agreement.
The proposed development site is the grey building on the right hand aside of the above picture