UPDATED: Permit for controversial Keighley incinerator is issued

The Environment Agency had already indicated it was ‘minded to issue’ a permit for the plant, earmarked for the former gas works site at Marley.

Campaigners say the incinerator would pose a risk to people’s health and damage the environment, claims that are refuted by the applicant Endless Energy.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore describes this as “a sad day for Keighley and the wider area”.

“I am incredibly disappointed and angry at the decision as I feel that the case for approval does not stack-up,” he said.

“I still do have severe concerns regarding its development and the impact on air quality, especially with the site being situated within a valley and in close proximity to playing fields, schools and homes.

“There has been strong local opposition to this development and I know just how hard the Aire Valley Against Incineration campaign group has worked to prevent it going ahead.”

The incinerator was granted planning approval by Bradford Council four years ago.

Public consultation over the awarding of an environmental permit has since been carried out by the Environment Agency.

"I have seen many of the submissions made throughout the consultation in which local residents submitted genuine concerns linked to the detrimental impact this will have on air quality – not only linked to the incinerator itself but also increased traffic levels bringing waste to the site," said Mr Moore.

"I raised many similar objections in my response to the consultation – which I wrote jointly with my neighbouring MP Philip Davies – focusing on the inadequate and unfair consultation process, topography and temperature inversions, negative impact on air quality and pollution as well as concerns about the impact on health. It is extremely disappointing therefore that these concerns have been dismissed."

Mr Davies, who is MP for Shipley, said: “This is a very disappointing decision which flies in the face of common sense.

"It shows a complete disregard for the local communities which have to live with this decision.

"I am particularly concerned about the impact on the air quality for my constituents, which is already poor in too many areas. This can only make it worse.

"I would like to thank all those who fought so hard for their local community against this incinerator, although I know they will be as unhappy with this decision as I am."

Keighley East district councillors Malcolm Slater, Caroline Firth and Doreen Lee released a joint statement.

They said: “We are incredibly disappointed that our views and arguments, and more importantly those of the people we represent, have been ignored and that this permit is being granted. There are many questions left unanswered. We will continue to work with AVAI and we will hold Endless Energy to account in the building process.”

Area environment manager for the Environment Agency, Carly Chambers, said: “In determining this permit application, we have undertaken a detailed and rigorous assessment of Endless Energy’s application and all of the responses to our public consultations.

"This is to ensure that it complies with the legal requirements of the Environment Permitting Regulations and that the incinerator will be operated in a way that will not harm human health or the environment. We do not permit activities that pose an unacceptable risk.

“Our officers have the specialist knowledge and skills that are required to regulate waste facilities and minimise the impact of these sites on people and the environment. We will now set about regulating the site to enforce the conditions of the permit and ensure that waste and emissions are managed correctly.”