Virtual public consultation events will be held into the proposed large scale waste incinerator at Buttington Quarry near Welshpool as the coronavirus lockdown continues.

As current Welsh Government guidelines prevent public gatherings, developer Broad Energy has decided to change its consultation plans from a planned physical local venue in July to a virtual platform, avoiding the need for face-to-face interaction and protecting all involved.

Plans will include a series of public webinars, telephone surgeries and information sent through the post to more than 1,000 homes and businesses.

It is intended to allow people to receive all the information they need on the proposed development.

“We are going to be doing everything we can to ensure the community is able to have its input into the consultation process in a safe and socially responsible way,” Alistair Hilditch-Brown, chief executive of Broad Energy, said.

“We are going beyond what is expected of us in the statutory requirements and making sure people can have their say in a way that protects the local community, and we have received positive feedback from the Planning Inspectorate on the changes we have made to our consultation.

“We have covered as many bases as possible given the current circumstances. However, if later in the year there are any individuals who feel they have not been able to participate through the means we have provided, then we may consider making some alternative arrangements for them if Government advice dictates it is safe to do so.”

The proposed energy recovery facility will be capable of processing non-recyclable waste and transforming this into low-carbon electricity.

More information on the consultation will be released over the coming weeks, and all documents and information will be available to read online at www.broadenergywales.co.uk along with more options to submit questions to the project team.