Tory backs protests against waste plant

A prospective Conservative Parliamentary candidate in Staffordshire has declared his support for residents fighting plans for a new waste facility at a landfill site.

Aidan Burley said Conservatives in Cannock had organised a public meeting that had come out in opposition to a Biffa Waste Services' plan for the Poplars Landfill site, in Lichfield Road. The scheme submitted in August to Staffordshire County Council is for an anaerobic digestion plant, which breaks down organic waste, and would replace the current composting area.

Mr Burley said that this would be closer to residents' houses than any similar plant in the UK, and that the four giant digestion towers would be visible from people's gardens.

Biffa was invited to the meeting but did not send a representative.

"Finally, local residents got to have their say, although I am furious with Biffa for refusing to come and answer people's concerns, Mr Burley said.

"What was clear from people's questions and comments was that there has been no explanation by Biffa as to why they want to locate this plant so close to people's houses, and not further within this vast site.

"We are not opposed in principle to an anaerobic digestion plant, but we oppose the position."

Mr Burley said he was told on a recent visit that the location was based on the existing infrastructure.

"This appeared to be no more than a concrete foundation and single track road.

"Would it really affect the project's viability to replicate this further within the site, in order to be away from people's back yards?" Mr Burley said.

Biffa spokesman Barry Walton said the plant would create green energy from waste and there was a real need for this type of facility.