Fears that energy plant plan may be given the go-ahead

Peel Environmental wants to turn the North Selby Mine into a green energy plant to produce electricity and recently said if its plans were backed by councillors the site would be “well-placed” to take waste from the proposed incinerator at Allerton Park, near Knaresbrough, which recently had its Government funding withdrawn.

However, York Council has said it remains committed to Allerton Park and does not currently see the North Selby Mine scheme, being developed separately to Allerton Park, as an alternative. Peel Environmental’s plans include a plant propagation glasshouse powered in part by an anaerobic digestion plant which will recover heat and electricity from up to 60,000 tonnes of organic waste a year.

Members of York Council’s planning committee are being recommended to back the application when it meets on Thursday. More than 360 objections have been received to the proposals and objectors include the Conservative MP for York Outer, Julian Sturdy, and Coun Elizabeth Casling, who represents the Escrick division on North Yorkshire County Council.

Coun Casling said: “I am desperately disappointed that it’s being recommended for approval. It’s inappropriate for the area.”

The North Selby Mine Action Group (NSMAG), which has staged a long-running campaign against the plans, has said the new proposals would mean there are more than 70 lorries a day bringing waste to the site. Campaigners have also expressed concerns that the plant will lead to significant noise, odour and traffic pollution for people living in nearby Escrick and other surrounding communities.

The chairman of NSMAG, Tim Williams, said: “We just feel that the strength of opposition in the local area is just so anti this development that the council must recognise that.”

Council officers are recommending approval, subject to conditions being agreed. Peel Environmental has said about 200 jobs will be created both to build and run the plant.