MMAG (Marston Moreteyne Action Group, formerly MMETAG) is a non-political group of volunteers who originally joined forces in July 2008. Please visit the About MMAG page for more details.
On-Line Petition Against Covanta Proposal
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Councils join forces to petition Parliament regarding IPC decision |
Earlier this week Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Councils announced that they would be petitioning Parliament regarding the IPC decision to grant planning permission for one the largest Incincerators in Europe to be built at Rookery Pit South to the US company Covanta.
Both Councils have stated that they have put aside a substantial amount of money in order to see the petition through effectively.
Charles Royden Deputy Bedford Mayor – 3 Counties Radio Interview 12/12/11
Central Bedfordshire Councillor Ken Matthews – 3 Counties Radio Interview 13/12/11
For more information regarding the petition process – please click here
Covanta – What You Can Do Now |
Central Beds Council are requesting their legal advisors examine the IPC process with a fine toothcomb for a possible non adherence to the process, in order that they can instigate a judicial review. If you felt that the IPC were obstructive or that the process failed in some way. Please email your comments to alan.fleming@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
If you would like MMAG to keep a record of your comments -Please Click Here. Your email details will not be shown and if you wish you could mark your comments as ‘Local Resident’ if you do not want your name published.
If you would like to be kept up to date with the campaign – you can sign up for regular email updates by Clicking Here and completing the form
Posters and information sheets are still available on the Downloads Page - also the on-line petition is still open if you have not already signed
Forest Centre Wind Turbine – Committee Date 01/02/12 |
Country Park Wind Turbine Planning Application – Committee Date 01/02/12
The Development Management Committee of Central Beds Council will be deciding the Country Park Wind Turbine application on Wednesday, 1 February 2012.
The agenda will be displayed in the week before the meeting and the proposed venue wil be the Council Chamber, Priory House, Monks Walk, Shefford.Watch this space for further details
Please note this is an amended application for the Wind Turbine that was previously passed only by a casting vote by the Chairman in November 2010
The main differences to note between this application and the previous application are:
(A) The applicant has stated that they may wish to erect a smaller turbine than the 120.5 metres previously applied for. Please note they offer no actual specification regarding height or design of the new turbine even though the project managers have stated within the application that due to ‘funding restrictions’ it is now necessary for the turbine to be completed by March 2012 http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/portal/showimage.asp?j=cb/11/04077&index=413094 (bottom of page 5) . The application wording is ‘up to 120.5 metres in height’ and therefore having no other heights measurements put forward – if planning is granted again – the applicant effectively will have permission to erect a turbine of 120.5 meters.
(B)The inclusion of a sub-station. http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/portal/showimage.asp?j=cb/11/04077&index=413094 (bottom of page 2/top of page 3) The previous application did not include a sub-station. The proposed size of the sub-station at 37.5 cubic metres exceeds the allowed size of 29 cubic metres which would not require planning permission. It is unclear why the applicant is alluding towards a smaller turbine but now requires an industrial size sub-station.
(C) Concerns regarding the proposed very short time-scale of the project (see A above) and the impact this will have on the proper procedures and consideration given to the wildlife currently inhabiting the affected land. Correspondence with the application states“ An ecological appraisal was produced to support the planning application with included mitigation for Great Crested Newts agreed with Justin Tilney of NE and based upon carrying out all construction work including the access track during the period when newts, however due to funding restrictions, it is now necessary to have the turbine built by March 2012. This obviously means that it will not be possible to implement the Great Crested Newt mitigation within the Ecological Appraisal” http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/portal/showimage.asp?j=cb/11/04077&index=413094 (bottom of page 5/top of page 6)
Comments regarding the previous application (see below) obviously still stand. – with some adjustments to take into consideration the implications raised by the Covanta Incinerator.
(1) On the driveway into the Country Park there is a billboard which declares, “Its about using trees and woodland to repair a damaged landscape….and you can help”. How does the erection of a wind turbine – an industrial structure contribute to the reforestation of either the Country Park or the Marston Vale ?
(2) Page 11 of the Design and Access Statement describes the area surrounding the site of the proposed turbine as existing/redundant industrial landscape with several large chimneys located on the opposite of Stewartby Lake which are 70-80m high. Reference is also made to the proposed Covanta Energy from Waste plant (recently IPC approved) at Rookery Pit with a flue height of 115m and the number of electricity pylons running across the area. Is this a description of a country park or an industrial estate – if so what has been the point of the country park ? Has it failed in its core objective to restore the previous clay workings landscape ? Is this a true depiction of what visitors see when they walk around the Park ? The dimensions of the turbine has certainly come as a shock to residents who have no recollection of being consulted on the scale of what is proposed.
In addition in their conclusion documentation regarding their decision to grant planning permission for the Covanta Energy from Waste plant at Rookery Pit – the IPC justified the visual impact of the plant with the following:- “…. The main impact from the ridges surrounding the site would be from the stack which would break the skyline. But other existing features do so already, and indeed the proposed wind turbine in the Marston Vale Country Park would be taller than the stack at 120 m.” - http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/111013_Rookery-Decision-and-Reasons.pdf (5.72 listed as page 33 [page 34 of document])
(3) The proposed turbine will be up to 120.5m to blade tip anticipating a hub height of 85m and a rotor diameter of 71m and the turbine will be situated on a slightly raised area of land at 41m AOD. It will be completely out of scale in relation to its surroundings and dominate the landscape for miles around contrasting with the nearby conservation areas and countryside.
(4) The planning statement (Page 4) makes commendable reference to the need for renewable energy and the challenge of climate change and the contribution of the turbine generating enough electricity for the Forest Centre (and approximately 907 homes). Why does the Forest Centre need to erect an industrial size turbine or indeed generate its own electricity at all when the Deed of Undertaking between the Marston Vale Trust and Covanta Energy clearly makes the following statement?:- “ Covanta shall pay £10,000 Index Linked to Marston Vale Trust on the date that Commerical Operations commence and on each anniversary of that date for each year in which Commerical Operations are carried out for a period of more than six months (cumulative) and until such time as Commerical Operations finally cease as a contribution towards the electricity costs of Marston Vale Trust in respect of the Forest Centre” http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/ipc/uploads/projects/EN010011/2.%20Post-Submission/Development%20Consent%20Order/Consent%20Order/Covanta%20-%20a%20copy%20of%20the%20counterpart%20Deed%20as%20executed%20by%20Marston%20Vale%20Trust.pdf – 4.2 Page 11 of pdf (page 7 of Deed of Undertaking). It appears that the wind turbine is expected to provide a guaranteed income for the Marston Vale Trust through the supply of electricity to the National Grid at a commercial scale – is the primary motivation here commercial or environmental ?
(5) Regarding the 907 homes mentioned in the planning statement see above – how will these 907 homes benefit from this green electricity and how will they be selected ? If wind turbine technology is to play a part in the generating of green electricity in the Marston Vale will this be the first of other wind turbines either in the Park or elsewhere? If so how many ? Should Central Bedfordshire Council be concerned that following this precedent there will be multiplicity of applications ?
(6) The Planning Statement (Page 14) refers to the Renewable Obligations Order which places an obligation on electricity suppliers to provide an increasing proportion of electricity from renewable sources. In effect this leads to a cross subsidy to render wind technology affordable. To what extent is any financial analysis in the application dependent on continuation of this subsidy ?
(7) The application attempts to reassure but not entirely discount the potential impacts from noise and shadow flicker all based on modelling. However residents have all commented on how surprisingly noisy these machines can be continuously especially during the night when there is no background masking noise and distressing for those with tinnitus.
All recent News |
Covanta plant is source of problems in California
Visit http://www.newsreview.com/chico/ash-pile-raises-concerns/content?oid=4660345 for full article
The dioxin-laced smoke from the fire drifted over the neighborhoods south of the park. Subsequent tests showed alarmingly high levels of dioxins in the eggs and livestock sampled from the neighboring family farms. BEC’s Mary Muchowski says initially DA’s Office links it to Oroville cogeneration plant
Covanta lose yet another contract bid
Localism Act 2011 and Seasons Greetings to All!
Following the enactment of the Localism Act 2011, MMAG are now looking into whether its feasible to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan for either solely the Parish of Marston Moreteyne or in conjunction with contiguous (share a boundary) Parishes. If so, such a Plan would give local people more of an input into what development they want. As it happens the Marston Moreteyne Parish Council will also be looking into this in January. For now MMAG wishes all Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year to all our supporters ! Hugh Roberts Chair MMAG
MMAG has taken extensive advice about whether this is a feasible next step -whether legally or politically. This is a very specialist, complex and rarely used process where the chances of success need to carefully weighed especially since it has never been used to examine the compulsory purchase provisions of local authority land as a result of the Development Consent Order (DCO) made by the IPC. Click Here to view full post
UKWIN’s End of Year Review
In 2011 MMAG signed up to UKWIN a network of groups fighting incineration as a solution to our waste. Their position is that UKWIN opposes the incineration of household waste, both directly in waste incinerators and indirectly through refuse derived fuels or co-incineration in cement kilns. Click Here to view full post
Minerals and Waste Core Strategy – Consultation on ‘Soundness’ – Closes 29th January
A public consultation on the “soundness” of the Minerals and Waste Core Strategy has opened and will close on 29th January 2012 The document, which will cover the period from 2013 to 2028, is a planning strategy which sets out core policies on which future waste management development and mineral extraction will be assessed. Click Here to view full post
CPRE submits objection to Marston Vale Country Park Wind Turbine
East West Rail
In his Autumn Statement the Chancellor has announced that funding for East West Rail will be made available. Clearly Millbrook is along the route and MMAG are studying the associated implications that follow on. Click Here to view full post
Special Parliamentary Procedure Order Petitions
The Rookery South (Resource Recovery Facility) Order 2011 was laid before both Houses of Parliament on the evening of November 29th. The deadline for petitions will be 5.00 pm on Monday 19 December 2011. Click Here to view full post and guides to petitioning both Houses.
Cranfield Airport Consultation – ends 25/01/12
Cranfield Airport wishes to introduce new instrument flight procedures to Runway 03 to improve the air traffic management at the Airport and are starting the statutory consultation process with interested parties to submit their views in respect of the proposed implementation of the Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP) for Cranfield Airport Runway 03.
MMAG Registers with Parliament
MMAG has registered as an interested party with both the Private Bill Offices of the House of Commons and House of Lords in respect of the application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission for the Rookery South (Resource Recovery Facility) Order 2011. MMAG understands that the Order is subject to special parliamentary procedure and will be laid before Parliament in due course in accordance with the provisions of the Statutory Orders(Special Procedure) Acts 1945 and 1965. Click Here to view Full Post
Marston Moreteyene Parish Council Vacancy
Due to a resignation a Notice of a Vacancy on the Marston Moreteyne Parish Council has been posted by Central Beds Council on the Parish Council noticeboard (just outside the Co-op & on the side facing the post office) Click Here to view Full Post
MMAG Remarks to Beds Councils Planning Consortium 10/11/11
Please Click Here to view a copy of the speech made by Hugh Roberts Chair of Marston Moreteyne Action Group at the Bedfordshire Councils Planning Consortium Meeting on 10th November 2011.
Boundary Commission Consultation Details – Closes 05/12/11
Nadine Dorries gave a speech at the Boundary Commission in Luton on Monday, November 7th supported by MMAG and Councillor James Jamieson, Leader of Central Beds Council. MMAG supporters are encouraged to take part in the Boundary Commission consultation which ends on 5th December 2011. Click Here to view full post and to download Nadine’s speech
Boundary Commission Public Meeting 07/11/11
MMAG will be in attendance to hear Nadine Dorries speak at the Boundary Commission Public Meeting next Monday, November 7th at 1pm View Full Post
Nadine Dorries puts Covanta Question to David Cameron
Nadine Dorries MP put the following question to David Cameron at Prime Ministers Questions today (26/10/11): “The Infrastructure Planning Commission has made one decision—to grant planning permission for the giant American waste company Covanta to build a 600,000 tonne incinerator in Mid Bedfordshire. Thousands of people in Bedfordshire responded to the consultation, saying that they do not want this. View Full Post
Covanta pull out of Wales EfW Plant Application
Covanta have withdrawn their application to the IPC for their Energy from Waste Plant in Wales. The implications are being studied.
Further details available on:-http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/2011/10/brig-y-cwm-application-withdrawn/
Reaction of Local Residents to the IPC’s Decision
IPC Decision – Special Parliamentary Procedure ref
Eagle eyed MMAG supporters will have noticed the curious reference to ‘special parliamentary procedure’ which appears on page 128 of the IPC Covanta decision document (at the top of the page in italics ) just below Appendix D – the Development Consent Order. This could prove to be a significant issue or a false hope. View Full Post
CPREs Reaction to IPC Decision
The IPC (Infrastructure Planning Commission) has decided in favour of the Covanta incinerator proposal in the Marston Vale. CPRE and other local campaign groups as well as both Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Council are deeply disappointed. You can read the reasons for the IPC’s decision here – View Full Post
MMAG have recently written to Richard Carr, Chief Executive of Central Bedfordshire Council to oppose a new development site potentially getting the green light before the first house on Marston Park is even built – Click Here to view letter
The site allocation at Moreteyen Farm for land behind the Little Chef could be started for large scale house building next year despite the fact that Marston Park, which will increase the size of the village by about a third, has only just begun and will be in development for several years.
From the UKWIN Co-ordinator - http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/2642
Keith Kondakor has started a petition on the system to get an incineration tax at half the rate of the landfill tax (i.e. £40 per tonne, which will be £80/tonne in 2014). This simple measure would make incinerators even less competitive when compared with reuse, recycling composting etc. Click Here to view full post
What with our proposed/potential developments in Marston Moreteyne MMAG supporters will be interested in a website set up by developers to ‘inform’ residents of ‘developments’ in nearby Ampthill. We may see something similar here.http://www.warrenfarmampthill.com/index.html Click Here to view full post
We have been contacted by The Campaign to Protect Rural England Team with the following message:-
Urgent: your help needed
The Government has now issued the draft National Planning Policy Framework – a radical planning shake-up that threatens England’s beautiful countryside. Please Click Here to view full Post
Copies of various documents and representations can be viewed via the Project Documents buttons on the IPC website – http://infrastructure.independent.gov.uk/ View Full Post
Article on Marston Vale by Professor Andrew Blowers
Last year Professor Blowers led a visit to the Marston Vale by a party from the Eastern Region of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) – he has since published an article on the Marston Vale in Town and Country Planning. Click Here to view full post
Milton Keynes approach to waste management rules out mass burn incineration contracts
Please see the article from Lets Recycle – click here to view. The Council has given companies ”one month to express an interest in the contract, with Milton Keynes stressing that consideration will be given to projects which propose the supply of additional resources, such as heat and electricity. It has stated it will not consider ‘mass burn incineration’.
Let’s Talk Together Community Meetings – Marston Area 2nd June
The Let’s Talk Together Community Meetings are a chance for residents to meet their Central Bedfordshire Council Councillors, the Police, Fire and Health service representatives, ask questions and discuss local issues. The feedback from the meeting will also help set the local Police and community safety priorities. Click Here To view other meetings around Central Beds and Full Post
Video clip campaigning for less rubbish
Received via the UKWIN anti incineration body:
We’ve launched a new two-minute film – telling the love story of two plastic milk bottles – to spread the word about our campaign for half as much rubbish. Click Here to view Full Post
Our Marston Vale – our sister campaign group have passed on recent news on activities in the US. It is starting to look like Covanta renegotiate agreements with reports from the recent IPC meeting where Covanta wish to now extend the ‘catchment area’ for waste and not be restricted within even the bounds of their own application. Moving goalposts? Click Here to View Full Post
We must not forget that our campaign against the Covanta incinerator takes place against a backdrop of the UK ‘greening’ its future energy supplies of which renewable energy and nuclear power is a part of the Governments energy infrastructure plan. The Covanta proposal is a power station and we need to be mindful that events in Japan may set back plans for nuclear power and that in desperation there is a ‘dash’ for energy from waste and piped or liquefied gas. Click Here to View Full Post
MMAG sends congratulations to James Jamieson, New Leader of Central Beds Council – Please Click Here to View Full Post
Eagle eyed observers of the IPC process have spotted a change to Covanta Flood Risk Assessment – Please Click Here to view. It is now proposed that domestic and process foul water will be treated on site and discharged via the surface water drainage system into Mill Brook and Stewartby Lake – and not via the Stewartby Treatment Works. Click Here to View Full Post
MMAG applauds IPC decision to hold special hearings on waste,noise,landscape and heritage
The IPC have decided to hold special hearings (‘issue specific’) on particular issues. MMAG welcomes this opportunity for further and more detailed consideration and encourages everyone to take up the opportunity. Click Here to view full post with dates and details.
MMAG interviewed by BBC 3 Counties Radio – May 13th
In an interview with BBC 3 Counties radio MMAG emphasised that as the IPC meets on May 13th, there remains little common ground on much of the evidence before it, residents remain implacably opposed, building a 700,000 tonnes a year incinerator is at odds with the Governments ‘zero waste’ strategy to be announced next month and that already surrounded by million of tonnes of landfilled waste we have no wish to stop being the dustbin of eastern england and start becoming the ashca
MMAG report on visit to Stotfold Mill and CPRE AGM meeting
by MMAG supporter Heather Metherall Please Click Here to view full report of Report
Sunday Express 01/05/2011
AN INVESTIGATION is to be launched into incinerators after claims they are linked to cancer and high death rates among babies and children.
To see who is standing in the Central Beds District and Parish Council elections visit http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/councillors/nominations/default.aspx Click Here to view Full Post
All 12 seats on the Marston Moreteyne Parish Council are up for election.
Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council submit Formal Objections to IPC
Central Bedfordshire Council has written to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) to formally oppose Covanta Energy’s plans for a Resource Recovery Facility at Rookery South Pit near Stewartby. Click Here to view full post
Submissions to IPC – updated
Greg Clarke MP, Minister for Decentralization in the Department for Communities & Local Government was urged by a deputation lead by Nadine Dorries MP to exercise his powers under the Planning Act 2008 to take the final decison rather than the IPC over whether the Covanta application should go ahead in Rookery Pit South. Click Here to read full post.
Meeting with the Minister – Breaking News
MMAG will be part of a deputation lead by Nadine Dorries MP to meet Greg Clark MP, the Minister of State at the Department for Communities & Local Government on Monday night, February 28th in Westminster. Click Here to read full post.
MMAG Submission to the IPC
Please Click Here to view full post. Post also includes some submissions from local residents
Nadine speaks with her characteristic passion on IPC!
In a Westminster Hall debate on February 16th, Nadine Dorries MP spoke about the IPC and the Hansard record of the debate is as follows:
Nadine Dorries (Mid Bedfordshire) (Con): It is a pleasure to see you in the Chair again, Mr Gale. The Infrastructure Planning Commission is examining an application from an American waste company by the name of Covanta to build an incinerator masquerading as an energy-from-waste plant in my constituency. Click Here to view full post.
Breaking News : Nadine – Wide Eyed and Localist
Nadine Dorries MP has posted an encouraging report on her blog this week. “Yesterday, I had an excellent one to one meeting with the Prime Minister. It came with coffee. The code is no coffee means bad news……” Click Here to view full post.
IPC Deadline – make sure you have your say !
Everyone who has registered with the IPC will have had a Notice of Procedural Decision and Timetable. A key date is February 28th 2011 which is the first deadline for written representations about the Covanta application. Click Here to view full post
Report of the House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Select Committee
The House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Select Committee have published their report into the six revised energy National Policy Statements. The committee has made 18 recommendations the more important of which is about the timing of the NPSs. Click Here to view full post.
Campaigners welcome the IPC!
On Friday morning 4 February, a vocal crowd braved gale force winds to welcome two of the IPC Commissioners to Rookery Pit South. The crowd were warmed up by strongly encouraging addresses by Hugh Roberts Chair MMAG; Nadine Dorries MP ; Councillors Alan Bastable and Tim Hill; Bedford Borough Deputy Mayor Charles Royden and Mayoral candidate John Guthrie. Click Here to view full post
Prime Minister’s Questions 2nd February 2011
Nadine Dorries MP raised the IPC and Covanta at Prime Ministers Questions on February 2nd, 2011 and mentioned the welcome MMAG and others are preparing for the IPC. Click Here to view full post.People Power to Welcome IPC visit to Rookery Pit South
Press Release – MMAG and its sister action groups have organised a demonstration to coincide with the visit of the Infrastructure Planning Committee (IPC) commissioners, Covanta and elected Councillors to Rookery Pit South. The demonstration on Friday 4 February at 10.30 a.m. will be addressed by Nadine Dorries MP and other local politicians and influencers are likely to attend. Click Here to view full post.
The Media – Some Handy ‘X factor’ Tips for Demo Day – February 4th
At the demo on February 4th, we will be approached by reporters from TV and the Press and below are some anticipated Questions and Answers that MMAG supporters may want to use. Remember that everything is heavily edited into a few seconds so its important to make our points succinctly – that’s why politicians use sound bites. Click Here to view full post.
MMAG submits its report to the Environmental Agency
MMAG supporter, Michael Green has submitted a report in response to the Environmental Agency’s examination of the Covanta proposal. Click Here to view full post.
Breaking News-First application in Wales to proceed to IPC examination
The Infrastructure Planning Commission has accepted for examination an application for a proposed energy-from-waste power station to be located at Cwmbargoed near Merthyr Tydfil, in Wales. Further details to follow but appears that Covanta now have 2 applications before the IPC ; ourselves and Wale
BEaR Project Update
OMV respond to IPC questions
Our Marston Vale – a sister campaign group have published a response to
questions put by the IPC. Click Here to view full post
ADAG comments re EA consultation
Public Notice of Demonstration
MMAG confirms demonstration and attendance of Nadine Dorries MP with Bedfordshire Police. Click Here to view full post.
Comment on Environmental Agency Consultation by 03/02/11
Approval for the Covanta Incinerator has to be given by both the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) & the Environment Agency (EA). The IPC approves the building of the plant but the EA approves its operation through granting an environmental permit under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010
The original closing date for comments was 27 January 2011 but this has now been extended until 03 February 2011 ! So much for consultation as this will prove a very challenging timetable for most Parish Councils who meet monthly. So this is where you can make a difference ! Click to read full post
MMAG report on IPC Preliminary Meeting – January 17th 2011
MMAG supporters attended the IPC preliminary meeting with the IPC along with representatives of parishes and town councils, local authorities, community/leisure/environment groups and concerned residents. The IPC will produce a report and this will be available on their website. Click Here to view full report
MMAG supporter attacks vile object !
Richard Gillard, a staunch supporter of our anti Covanta campaign has written today to Beds on Sunday – we feel it deserves reproduction in full. Click Here to view full post.Fire burns in storage pit at Tulsa’s trash-to-energy plant
Smoke billows from Tulsa’s trash-to-energy plant on Tuesday evening. Click Here to view full post.
ADAG – Friday, January 14th – A night to remember !
MMAG supporters were able to attend a truly inspirational meeting organised by our sister Action Group – ADAG – the Ampthill Development Action Group in Redbourne Community College on Friday night, January 14th to see people
power in action. Click Here to view full post
Lets Talk Together Community Meeting 17/01/2011
Central Bedfordshire Council, the Police, Health service and other local public service providers are launching a new series of community meetings, the first of which will be for the Marston, Cranfield and Woburn area Monday evening 17th January 2011 at Hollywell School, Red Lion Close, Cranfield 5-7pm. Click here to view full p0st.
Breaking News – IPC announce date for Preliminary Meeting
IPC announce the Preliminary Meeting will take place on 17 January 2011 at 10.00 in the Park Inn Hotel, St Mary’s Street, Bedford, MK42 0AR. Further details in attachments and MMAG comment to follow in due course.
Notification of the appointment of the Examining Authority
Notification of the preliminary meeting and availability of representations
Bucks names WRG preferred bidder in EfW deal U-turn
The Northampton-based waste management firm WRG was officially named as the preferred bidder at a meeting of Buckinghamshire council’s cabinet on November 29), which could see WRG develop a 300,000 tonnes-a-year capacity plant at its Calvert landfill site in the north of the county. Click Here to view full Post
IPC publish initial Covanta representations
The IPC website has now published the representations that it received . Some patience is required as the page takes a little time to load the text of all 1004 representations.
The IPC has received representations from local authorities (8), parish councils (29), other statutory consultees (12), non-statutory organisations (29) and ‘public and business’ (925).
The IPC says that it has removed representations that are vexatious, frivolous or offensive and we estimate the IPC judged 22 to fall into this category. Please Click Here to view Full Post
Central Bedfordshire Council Questions Covanta Proposal
Decision on Wind Turbine Under Scrutiny
Serious questions are being asked about how Central Beds Council Planning Committee on November 10th approved a planning application for a wind turbine in the Millennium Country Park – described by Heart FM as the height of 27 double decker buses. Click Here to view full post
Nadine Dorries MP queries continuing the IPC registration process in the House of Commons
Click Here to read full post – Hansard extract and Letter
IPC Registration Problems
Have you experienced any problems registering with the IPC? Please Click Here to complete poll.
MMAG Registers with the IPC
IPC Drop in Sessions
The IPC have announced 2 further drop in sessions for Tuesday 9th November at:-12:00 noon-2:00pm - Stewartby Village Hall and 4:00pm -6:00pm - The Forest Centre (The Sollars Study room) Marston Moreteyne Click Here to view full post
The recently formed Ampthill Development Action Group (ADAG) has registered with the IPC objecting to the proposed development.
ADAG has been formed to oppose inappropriate and environmentally damaging development in the vicinity of Ampthill. Click Here to view full post
Joint Parish and Town Councils IPC Submission
You may recall a group of Town and Parish Councils and MMAG agreed to explore the possibility of submitting a joint response to the Covanta planning application. This would be in addition to any individual response each Council wishes to make, and demonstrate coordinated action. Click Here to view post
Public Meeting re Covanta 30th October 2010 including talk by Prof Connett
Following on from the successful meeting at the Forest Centre in September- Nadine Dorries MP is inviting residents and those interested in opposing the Covanta Proposal to attend a meeting a the Rufus Centre in Flitwick on Saturday 30th October at 10:30am.
Professor Dr Paul Connett who has researched waste management for 14 years will be attending the meeting. Please Click Here for full details.
BEaR Project Update – Oct 2010
Please Click Here to view the latest BEaR update – Companies selected for next stage of BEaR Project
Covanta sued again for dioxin pollution in the US
Please Click Here to view article published on the UK Win website
BEaR Newsletter – September 2010
Click Here to Download the latest Newsletter from the BEaR project
Please Click Here to visit The Marston Vale Trust’s website where they have finally published the position they are taking regarding the Covanta Proposal.
MMAG in support of Initiative by Parish/Town Councils to form joint response to Covanta
MMAG were delighted to attend an exploratory meeting on September 7th in the Sports Pavillion Marston Moreteyne of concerned Town and Parish Councils keen to compile a joint response in opposition to the Covanta Planning application. Click Here to view full post.
MMAG asks Inspector to kill of Northern Marston Vale Zombi Strategy
MMAG have submitted their concerns relating to the proposed housing site allocations affecting the village of Marston Moreteyne – Click Here to view Letter
MMAG supports greater community influence and engagement in decisions that affect their lives. MMAG is happy to support this new initiative from Central Bedfordshire:
Do you live in Central Bedfordshire? Then Lets Talk Central!
Central Bedfordshire Council has set up a new website, www.letstalkcentral.com to hear directly from residents what they think about where they live and how it can be improved. Click Here to read full post.
MMAG submits its Local Impact Report Regarding Covanta
BEaR Update – Central Beds Council support improvements to green services
Click Here to read the latest news release relating to the BEaR Project. It will be interesting to see whether Covanta are able to meet the revised requirements to include additional services as part of its waste tender. Bidders competing for the main waste treatment contract will be required to put forward proposals for the following additional services:
- Re-develop the Household Waste Recycling Centres at Ampthill, Biggleswade and Leighton Buzzard and re-locate the Dunstable site
- Provide gritting salt storage barns in strategic locations
- Provide a Waste Transfer Station so that various types of waste can be bulked up before being sent for treatment
- Provide for the treatment of organic waste in their main proposal
MMAG welcomes this emphasis on recycling which hopefully will produce a truly local solution.
Covanta have responded to MMAG comments (March 30th 2010) on the Preliminary Environmental Report.
At long last MMAG have received the responses from Covanta to MMAG’s (originally submitted on March 30th 2010) comments on the Preliminary Environmental Report (PER) [Click Here to view] and a Note on Environmental Compliance [Click Here to view]
The PER should not be confused with the Local Impact Report (LIR) but since it covers the same ground will hopefully inform responses that people will be making to the LIR – confused – don’t worry MMAG aren’t !
Limited Time Consultation - Bedford Borough & Central Bedfordshire Councils are conducting a Local Impact Report which will submitted to the IPC (or successor). MMAG and supporters in the community are well placed to help make a contribution to the LIR. However – it is important that your responses are not simply ‘I object’ but, instead, attempt to set out those issues that are of particular relevance to the local area – whether positive or negative. A list of possible topic areas to cover and further details of the consultation are available on the full post here.
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) launches a review of review of waste policies
Opening a call for evidence, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman called on businesses, households, communities, and local authorities in England to contribute their views.The review will look at what policies are needed to reduce the amount of waste generated and to maximise reuse and recycling, while also considering how waste policies affect local communities, individual households and businesses.
MMAG will contribute to the Review. MMAG supporters can also contribute to the review through the Defra website, www.defra.gov.uk
Click Here to view full post
Waste Contract Attracts Ten bidders
Ten waste management companies have entered into a competition to bid for Central Bedfordshire’s waste contract.
Each of the interested companies has completed a ‘pre-qualification questionnaire’, providing information about the company itself and evidence to demonstrate they are financially sound and capable of providing what the council needs. No information on proposed solutions or sites was requested at this stage. Click Here to view full post
Progress of the Energy National Policy Statements – IPC Increasingly Irrelevant
On July 15th the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) announced a further consultation on the Energy National Policy Statements.
Charles Hendry, Minister of State for Energy said: “For large energy projects we need to give industry maximum certainty, so that if sound proposals come forward, they will not fall victim to unnecessary hold-ups. We have decided to take a further look at the Appraisal of Sustainability of our draft Energy Policy Statements to make sure that they are fit for purpose. Taking this decision now is essential to safeguard our long-term goal of a sustainable and secure energy supply”. Click Here to view full post
MMAG invited to show Professor Andrew Blowers OBE, FRSA around the Vale
MMAG is immensely proud to have been invited to take Professor Blowers and a number of of his Royal Society of Arts colleagues on a bus tour throughout the Vale to outline matters of local interest on July 17th. Click Here to view full post
Mayor of Bedford demands local decision on Covanta
Mayor of Bedford Dave Hodgson has written to Eric Pickles MP,Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, regarding the Infrastructure Planning Commission. Click Here to view full post
MMAG Comments on Draft Waste Core Strategy
MMAG comments on the draft waste core strategy and it’s impact on Marston Moreteyne and the wider Marston Vale. Click Here to view full post
Nadine Dorries MP to host meeting for groups against Covanta in September
Nadine Dorries MP has just advised MMAG that she will be hosting a meeting in early September to bring together all those campaigning against Covanta and to encourage meaningful debate about how we can best influence the shape of solutions to dealing with Bedfordshire waste. We need to help the Bear Project produce the best solution for local people: our waste, our Project and our solution. Click Here to read full post
Question re Covanta raised by Nadine Dorries MP at Prime Ministers Question Time
Our local MP Nadine Dorries (Mid Bedfordshire) has raised a question on Wednesday 30th June during Prime Ministers questions as follows: Click Here to see full post
Waste Core Strategy Preferred Options Consultation
Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Luton Borough are consulting on a joint waste core strategy. This sets out how waste might be managed over the next 15 years.
Exhibitions have already been held in Dunstable, June 8th and Elstow, June 16th (MMAG attended this one ). There is another planned for June 24th in Stewartby Village Hall from 3:30pm until 8pm. Click Here to view full post
BEaR Update
The BEaR project has issued the following Press Release – Tender Underway for Contract.
Please also see the Contract Notice they advertised through the Official Journal of the European Union for a long-term waste treatment solution.
IPC issues statement regarding the future of applications currently on programme
Despite plans to abolish the Labour appointed quango the Infrastructure Planning Commission – a recent statement from IPC’s Chair claims that all projects currently on programme (which includes Rookery Pit South) will continue though the IPC process. Click Here to read full post.
MMAG writes to PM regarding the future of IPC
MMAG writes to new Prime Minister as IPC confirmed for abolition- but replacement with a similar body to fast track large the planning applications. Please Click Here to view our letter.
MMAG hosts Open Day 22/05/10
MMAG hosted an Open Day on Saturday 22nd May 10am to 2pm where representatives of MMAG were available in the Methodist Hall to discuss local issues. There was several displays and a number of handouts available – Click Here to view more details.
Click Here to view the Displays.
Click Here to download the Handouts
Country Park Wind Turbine Planning Application – Public Consultation Starts – Deadline for Comments June 4th 2010
Click Here to view full post including submission/comments made by MMAG
MMAG contacts new Government over future of the IPC and Covanta
Chris Huhne, Secretary of State
Department of Energy & Climate Change
Congratulations on your new appointment.
I am writing on behalf of the Marston Moreteyne Action Group, MMAG, a group of volunteers dedicated to sustainable communities and campaigning actively against plans by Covanta to build an enormous Energy from Waste plant in Rookery South Pit, Bedfordshire.
Covanta intend to submit an application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission at the end of July 2010. Click Here to read full press release
Click Here to view letter sent by Aspley Guise Parish Council to the IPC
(copied to Covanta)Covanta on the Run Claim MMAG – Press Release
Covanta have been forced to put back to mid July its application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) for a giant incinerator in Rookery Pit South Bedfordshire following the:
• local NHS Primary Care Trust seeking further detail about the health impacts from noise, traffic and the anxiety to residents of living near an incinerator and
• huge volume of objections from concerned residents. Click Here to read full Press Release
Cheshire East Council refuses Covanta Energy from Waste proposal
Cheshire East Council has rejected a proposal by American-owned company Covanta Energy to develop a 370,000 tonnes-a-year capacity energy-from-waste facility at Middlewich over concerns about overcapacity in the region. Click Here to view full Article
Councils asked to think twice! – Press Release
MMAG has contacted all local authorities who have been targeted to send their waste to Bedfordshire asking that they spurn advances from Covanta who are desperate to secure contracts for its proposed incinerator in the Marston Vale. Click Here to read full Press Release.
Restrictive Covenant on Rookery Pit
Recent confusion over whether there are any legal problems relating to the Rookery Pit South site have become clearer with the publication of a Central Bedfordshire document Bedfordshire Energy and Recycling Project – Outline Business Case Background Report Appendix One. Click Here to read more.
Application to IPC
Covanta have told a meeting of the Community Liaison Panel that they are unlikely now to submit their application to the Infrastructure Planning Committee before mid July 2010. Click Here to read more.
Green Infrastructure Meeting 9th May
The Forest Centre is to play host to a meeting on Sunday 9th May between 10am and 1pm to allow local people to contribute to the Green Infrastructure plan by voicing their views on the current and possible future green spaces in the parish of Marston Moretaine
Click Here to view more information and Click Here to view a map
Forest Centre Wind Turbine Update (“Marston Mill”)
Several sets of documents concerning the application are available to view (taken from http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/portal/index.asp)
Original Application Documents
Additional Documents Added since Application 1 (caution large file)
Additional Documents Added since Application 2
Location Map and Zone of Theoretical Visiability
Nadine Dorries MP holds a series of unscripted evening meetings throughout the constituency.
BEaR project issues email and Press Release re Update
Please Click Here to view email sent to MMAG 07/04/10 regarding the BEaR project and Press Release
Nadine Dorries MP- 10 minute bill “Waste Recovery and Disposal Facilities (Public Consultation)”is heard in Parliament
The following is an excerpt from Hansard – Today in the Commons 06/04/104.18 pm by Nadine Dorries (Mid-Bedfordshire) (Con): “I beg to move,
That leave be given to bring in a Bill to require planning authorities to conduct a local referendum before considering planning permission for new large-scale waste recovery or disposal facilities which involve the recovery or disposal of waste from more than one county area;” Click Here to view Full ExtractMarston Moreteyne Parish Council replies to Covanta Preliminary Environmental Report
Bedfordshire Council’s Planning Consortium replies to Covanta Preliminary Environmental Report
View letters/emails sent by residents in response to Covanta Consultation and upload your own
Click Here to read other responses and upload your own
MMAG responses to the Proposed Rookery South Resource Recovery Facility
Preliminary Environmental Report
Excerpt “Regarding the proposed Rookery South Resource Recovery Facility (incinerator) – it is the considered view of MMAG that the:
- visual impact,
- loss of wildlife habitat in an area that has naturally regenerated over many years,
- predicted traffic levels with associated noise and dust pollution,
- proposal to draw huge proportions of the waste processed by the plant from surrounding counties (at odds with the minerals and waste local plans),
- fact incineration discourages recycling and contributes significantly to atmospheric CO2
Renders the proposal the wrong solution to dealing with Bedfordshire waste and in the wrong location.”
Please click here to read MMAG’s full response to Covanta
Download Anti-Covanta Posters
Click Here to Download Anti-Covanta Posters – let’s get these in as many windows as possible – please talk to your neighbours
Infrastructure Planning Commission Presentation
MMAG along with many other elected representatives and community groups attended this event on 12th March which was really ; “Get to know the IPC”
A key statement from the IPC was that if the dis-benefits outweigh the solution offered by Covanta then the proposal will be refused by the IPC.
Click Here for the The IPC presentation.
MMAG and our sister group Our Marston Vale and a host of others are going to take the Covanta proposal apart line by line. We will demonstrate to the IPC that the Covanta proposal is the wrong solution and in the wrong place. Indeed Covanta at a separate meeting of the Community Liaison Panel on March 15th confirmed that Rookery Pit South isn’t necessarily the best place to put an incinerator when compared with other sites – it just happens to be the better site for Covanta !
Mid Bedfordshire MP, Nadine Dorries, joins campaign to stop Covanta
Nadine Dorries Says “Thank you for all your letters and emails of concern regarding Covanta’s proposals to build an incinerator pit in the heart of Mid-Bedfordshire.
Please see below the article I wrote for the Bedfordshire on Sunday which was printed on 21st March 2010, which highlights specifically my views of this proposal. I am 100% against this proposal and will do all in my power to make sure this incinerator pit does go ahead.” Click Here to view full story
MMAG’s response to Local Development Framework
Dear Sir/Madam
I am writing on behalf of the Marston Moreteyne Action Group to comment on the Local Development Framework (LDF). Please confirm receipt of this email.
Policy MA4 – Land at Moreteyne Farm, Marston Moretaine
Site Reference: E09
We recognise that contained develpment in line with a village concept that provides homes and employment for local people is appropriate and considering the restraints on the other boundaries of the village (country park; flood plain etc) this location is suitable.However, Click Here to view full post
Heart FM interviews Chair of MMAG
Hugh Roberts, Chair of MMAG was interviewed by Heart FM following the dramatic reopening of negotiations by Buckinghamshire County Council with both Covanta and WRG regarding handling of their waste. Click here for E-Gov article www.egovmonitor.com/node/34265
During the interview Hugh spoke about:
The opportunity presented to Buckinghamshires County Council to think again
and be responsible for dealing with their waste themselves as we in Bedfordshire wish to deal with ours. Reiterated that it is completely unacceptable that Covanta and Buckinghamshire County Council are discussing in secret sending their waste to Bedfordshire -not even the taxpayers of Buckinghamshire are allowed to know because of supposed commercial confidentiality.
In response to a question about the proposed community grants Hugh said that MMAG is an opposition group not focussed on compensation. Further he queried who would wish to sell their souls to a company that discovers problems in the small print; hardly inspires trust and the amounts of money suggested are insulting and anyway it may be the offer will be like the balloons flying above the site on Friday March 12th, Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th, just hot air !
As regards the balloons Hugh explained that MMAG wants Covanta to reveal the full horror of what they propose with balloons and on Friday there will be another significant audience in town – the IPC who also will be able to see what we will have to live with if they approve the Covanta proposal.
When asked about the WRG bid for a site in Calvert, Hugh said that the issue was really a matter for the people of Buckinghamshire to decide whether dumping their waste in another county or managing within their own boundaries was right.
Asked to speculate what the problem Covanta has experience is, Hugh noted that it must be pretty serious as the Buckinghamshire press release talks about potential referrals to the European Court of Justice.
Councillor Tim Hill launches Facebook Site – Residents Against Covanta Incinerator
MMAG Invited to meet with Infrastructure Planning Committee
MMAG, alongside the Parish Council has been represented your voice on Covanta’s Community Liaison Panel (Click Here to view Liaison Panel Minutes and Handouts). As previously mentioned due to their proposals being classified as a power station, planning will be handled by the newly created Infrastructure Planning Committee (IPC) rather than local planning processes.
Along with other groups MMAG has been invited to meet with the IPC on 12th March to better understand the process. It is not a meeting to explore Covanta’s proposal itself.
Contact us on:- marston.moretaine.action.group@googlemail.com
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