Action pledge over Huntington waste plant worries
An MP has vowed to make sure residents living near a controversial waste plant get the chance to raise their concerns after the development was given the go-ahead by Government bosses.
The proposals to build the plant in Huntington caused uproar among householders who compiled two petitions containing around 850 signatures demanding it should not go ahead. Despite the protests, members of Staffordshire County Council's planning committee gave the green light last year for the development in Cocksparrow Lane.
But the plans then had to go before Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles as it would mean constructing a huge building in green belt land. And this week Mr Pickles has now granted permission – signalling defeat for residents.
South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson, who campaigned against the proposals, said it had been agreed that a group would be set up with members of the community to meet regularly with HE Humphries Ltd, the firm behind the plans. Mr Williamson said he would make sure residents were given a voice and added: "It is a case of damage limitation now and making sure that measures are taken to mitigate the effect on residents. We have had a commitment residents will have the opportunity to raise their views and I will be supporting them in this."
Mr Williamson said the decision to approve the development was 'completely wrong' and added he was disappointed for residents who had campaigned for four years.
The application is for a 200ft-high plant on the former Littleton Colliery site.
The plant would break down green waste, and possibly food, into fertiliser and methane, as well as produce electricity for the National Grid. It was passed by council planners subject to more than 40 conditions. HE Humphries Ltd, the firm behind the plans, could not be contacted.
