Augean victory in battle for low-level nuclear waste dump

Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has upheld Wetherby-based Augean’s appeal for the granting of planning permission for the site at its East Northants Resource Management Facility.

Last month, in a locally-organised poll, people living close to the facility had overwhelmingly rejected the scheme.

However, Augean said Mr Pickle’s decision was in line with the Environment Agency and the county council planning officer’s recommendations, which supported the company’s initial planning application.

In a statement, Augean said: “The disposal of low-level waste at appropriately permitted landfill sites is consistent with government policy for the decommissioning of redundant nuclear facilities.”

Augean believes the facility will start receiving the waste from the fourth quarter of 2011. The waste is expected to be construction and demolition materials, such as rubble, soils, crushed concrete bricks and metals.

Augean chief executive Paul Blackler said yesterday: “We believe low-level waste disposal represents a significant opportunity for the group as we look to continue delivering growth for our shareholders While we are very pleased with today’s decision, we are aware of the strong views surrounding the subject and are determined to work closely with local communities and other interested parties.”