Waste plant meeting ruled out
COUNCILLORS at North Yorkshire County Council have voted against holding a public meeting to discuss waste management plans which include proposals to build a controversial waste disposal site at Allerton Park Quarry, near Knaresborough.
A packed public gallery at the meeting in Northallerton last week heard a motion by Coun John Clark for a public meeting to discuss NYCC’s 900 million waste management proposals voted down by 42 councillors.
The motion for a public meeting was supported by 16 councillors made up of Independents, Lib Dems and Coun John Savage (Con. Harrogate) who has been an active campaigner against incineration and who represents the Ainsty Ward, where the waste site would be positioned. Two councillors abstained, including Coun John Watson, who represents the Boroughbridge ward.
If it gets the go-ahead, the waste disposal site, which will be built and run by Spanish company Amey Cespa, will include a large incinerator and 260-foot chimney.
Campaigners argue that the incinerator is not necessary if recycling increases and more use is made of less expensive, environmentally-friendly methods.
More information for the public and an invitation to 11 parish councils to meet decision makers was offered instead of a public meeting by Coun Clare Wood, Executive Member for Waste and Transport.
“This is a sorry day for democracy and transparency,” said Coun Savage. “The campaigners have a right to feel frustrated and angry by this decision and some of the dubious reasons given for it.”
Some councillors felt a public meeting was unnecessary because the council had sent out documentation to all households in North Yorkshire about the waste management plan and public consultation was already proceeding.
“Councillors who voted against this motion have shown their contempt for North Yorkshire voters and tax payers who will be paying for the huge financial commitment and risks of this ill-devised scheme for the next 25 years if it goes ahead,” said Steve Wright, chairman of NYWAG. “We are even more determined to fight this.”
The waste management plant earmarked for North Yorkshire is aimed at preventing millions of pounds of taxpayers' money being spent on landfill taxes.
The new plant is aimed at ensuring at least 50 per cent of waste is recycled by 2020.
l Letters: page six.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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