Fears over impact of incinerator on town

More than 11,000 people have submitted objections to Derbyshire County Council against proposals by Monmouth-based company Cyclamax to build an incinerator at the former Cammac coal depot on land off Dunston Road, Sheepbridge.

Their campaign has won the support of North East Derbyshire District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council, Dronfield Town Council, Staveley Town Council and parish councils in Eckington, Barlow, Unstone, Holmesfield, Holymoorside and Walton.

One of the main concerns is the long-term impact on the health of people in the area. There are also fears that the business would lead to an increase in heavy vehicle traffic.

Steve Taylor's financial planning company The Taylor Oliver Partnership is based at the Bridge Business Centre, in the shadow of the proposed incinerator site.

He said: "We came to this area because of the pleasant environment but that would all change if this were to go ahead.

"As an employer I am concerned about the impact this development could have in the long term on my team's health.

"At a more practical level, there are serious concerns about the impact this development could have on both commercial and domestic property values."

Cylamax says the plant would be a "sustainable business that produces renewable energy, increases recycling and reduces landfill" and create more than 100 jobs.

As well as the incinerator, Cyclamax also plans to develop a "Sustainable Employment Park" with roughly 60,000 square feet of industrial space.

Derbyshire County Council is expected to make a final decision on the planning application at a public meeting on Monday, February 22 at County Hall, Matlock.