Lancs pre-empts inquiry decision on waste plant

Lancashire County Council is seeking contractors for a £13.5m access road to the new East Lancashire Waste Technology Park at Huncoat near Accrington even though the controversial waste recycling plant is currently the subject of a public inquiry.

The inquiry into compulsory purchase orders closed earlier this month and included objections from residents and local landowners. Among the complaints was that 500 extra vehicle trips a day would be generated by the ELWTP. Omega Atlantic, a landowner, did not oppose the CPO but does object to the route of the access road planned.

The site proposed for the waste plant includes part of the former Huncoat power station.

All local authorities in Lancashire signed up to the Lancashire Waste Partnership in 1997 and agreed a strategy in 2001 to reduce landfill and increase composting and recycling. Two out of three new waste plants are nearing completion in Leyland and Thornton.

The ELWTP will receive and recycle waste from Hyndburn, Burnley and other East Lancashire councils. Waste management company Global Renewables won the contract to operate the three large waste plants, which will take municipal waste from homes and council properties.

The 1km access road would connect the plant with the A56 and M65 between Blackburn and Burnley.

Atkins is advising Lancashire County Council. No date has been set for a decision from the inquiry.