An environmental permit has been issued for a controversial incinerator on the outskirts of Beccles.
After plans for the incinerator, to be operated by V.C. Cooke Ltd, was approved by Conservative-controlled Suffolk County Council in May last year - despite numerous objections and concerns over the area becoming "a rubbish tip" for the region - a consultation was launched in October and November.
The views of people were sought over the Small Waste Incineration Plant (SWIP) proposed for Ellough, near Beccles, after an application for an environmental permit was submitted to East Suffolk Council for it.
With the operators needing to obtain the environmental permit to ensure it operates with minimal pollution, before operation of the incinerator can begin, this has now been issued by East Suffolk Council in accordance with statutory obligations following the consultation.
The council said it had put "air quality and climate" at the core of an operating permit for the residual waste incinerator.
A council spokesman said: "Having commissioned legal counsel to examine the permitting process in detail, the council has added conditions to the permit enforcing all applicable regulations regarding air quality.
"The council has also included a condition in the permit requiring V.C. Cooke to submit a carbon-management plan showing that the incinerator does not contribute to climate change."
Caroline Topping, East Suffolk Council leader, said: "We've heard resident concerns and representations about the incinerator, and we’ve taken all the steps legally allowed to safeguard air quality.
"We've also ensured that the permit includes a robust condition to protect the climate.
"We don’t believe that waste incineration is the future.
"East Suffolk Council has declared a climate emergency, and we support the national commitment to reach net zero by 2050.
"We’ve also said clearly in our new strategic plan for East Suffolk, Our Direction 2028, that we’ll deliver positive climate, nature and environmental outcomes in all that we do.
"We’re committed to prioritising cleaner energy generation, which we believe is the way forward for a thriving economy in East Suffolk."
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