Incinerator inquiry starts
7:58pm Tuesday 15th April 2008
A public inquiry into plans to build a waste incinerator in Cheshire has got under way.
Peel Holdings want to build an electricity generation incinerator - using waste as the fuel -at a site at Ince Marshes, near Helsby.
And the outcome of the inquiry could shape future plans for similar plans in Northwich and Middlewich.
The inquiry, which is being held at the Forest Hills Hotel in Frodsham, is expected to last up two months.
The initial plan, to build the plant on land next to the Manchester Ship Canal, was rejected by county councillors in 2006.
Protestors over the Ince proposal share the fears of people in Lostock and Middlewich that if the plant is built, it will become a dumping ground for waste from the rest of the country and beyond.
A spokesperson for Cheshire County Council said: "Peel is expected to field at least 10 specialist witnesses to address issues such as need, design, landscaping, transport, noise, air quality, ecology and flooding.
"Cheshire County Council will counter with its own team of officers.
"Written and verbal submissions are expected from a range of local organisations and individuals too."
The decision is viewed as being key to the county's waste plan as Cheshire County Council will cease to exist when Cheshire is split into two new unitary local authorities next year.