Incinerator plans could power ahead despite objections

PLANS to increase the size of a huge straw-burning incinerator in the heart of the countryside could get the go-ahead this week, despite objections.

The electricity-generating plant in Tansterne, Holderness, less than a mile from the villages of Flinton and Aldbrough, was approved by then Communities Secretary Hazel Blears, following a public inquiry more than two years ago.

The latest plans, submitted to East Riding Council, increase the size of the straw storage building and boiler house. The height of the stack remains at its previously approved height of 55m, down from the original 65m.

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Four parish councils have objected, with Burton Constable parish council complaining about what it calls a “drip feed of alterations”, which have added extra buildings and a gatehouse. Concerns remain about the ability of local roads to take the volume of traffic.

However applicant gb-bio says the changes are “minimal”, and are a result of improvements to the design, which allowed the height of the stack to come down. In a statement gb-bio said: “The planning amendments are the result of an improved plant design by the preferred British constructor and Danish technology provider. The plant design is expected to meet and surpass statutory regulations which is in line with our policy of trying to work with our neighbours.”

East Riding Council planners say the increase in size is “relatively modest” and the reduction in the stack is considered a benefit.

They say although noise was raised as a potential issue by objectors, using enclosed conveyors to move the straw around rather than forklifts should reduce impacts. They recommend approval at a meeting on Thursday.

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The facility would use 66,000 tonnes of straw a year, and would involve feeding baled straw into a combustion chamber, heating water in a boiler and powering a conventional steam turbine. Straw ash left behind would be used as a fertiliser.