Firm accused of seeking to use coronavirus to 'sneak' in plans for waste recycling plant

In a scathing letter Andrew Percy said he was appalled that 4R was adding to the stress residents were feeling by resubmitting the plans to East Riding Council at a time when they were "at a huge disadvantage" because of Government restrictions.

The Knottingley-based developers want to process up to 100,000 tonnes a year of waste at a redundant peatworks two miles from Swinefleet, near Goole.

The firm's appeal against refusal of planning permission was dismissed by an inspector last month but on grounds which are possible to overcome, the Brigg and Goole MP believes.

Amongst the materials 4R is looking to treat is “bio-solids” from sewage treatment plants.

Bio-solids are the solid material left over following waste water treatment, and the plant would have processed bio-solids which have not passed tests and need further lime treatment.

The letter from the Brigg and Goole MP said he shared people's outrage "that you have picked this time to try and progress this application".

He said people would "be at a huge disadvantage by not being able to organise their opposition to this due to the new conditions on daily life".

And he added: "It must be one of the lowest actions I have ever experienced in 20 years of public life."

Speaking to The Yorkshire Post Mr Percy said he had written to the East Riding Council asking them to delay the application.

He said: "Basically the Inspector in his decision gave a path to how they can get planning permission.

"The East Riding Council in my view should accept the view of local people and not facilitate this application through highways and access grounds."

The application was submitted on March 11 when more than 300 people had been confirmed to have the virus and there had been six deaths in the UK.

A spokesman for 4R said the plans had gone in on March 11 "prior to the current escalation of the Covid-19 situation when business was being carried out in the normal fashion".

He added: "I asked if Mr Percy would like a call or video conference to discuss further.

"It is apparent from the response he has no wish to engage with us on civil terms."