PLANS for a waste incinerator outside Welshpool are set to go out to public viewing this week after the proposals were submitted to the Welsh Government. 

An official application for the Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) project in Buttington was lodged by developers Broad Energy (Wales) Limited, which has submitted its application for the ERF to the Planning Inspectorate following a lengthy period that has included public consultation, evidence gathering and research.

It is thought the scheme will create 300 jobs during its construction phase and will employ 30 members of permanent staff once fully operational.

However, because of its energy-generating capacity – in excess of 10MWe – the Buttington ERF application is considered a 'development of national significance, which are determined by Welsh Ministers.

The project has also attracted opposition from some local people, who held a protest in Trewern last year against the plans. 

Alistair Hilditch-Brown, chief executive of Broad Energy, said submitting the application was a significant step forward.

“It’s an exciting milestone moment for us,” he said.

“We’ve been examining the feasibility of this project for a number of years and it’s taken a lot of hard work to get it to this point. It’s perfect timing in a way, given the Government's focus on net zero targets and a green recovery for the whole of the UK.

“The Buttington Energy Recovery Facility will provide an innovative way to significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill while generating low-carbon energy at the same time.

"It will be a significant step in the right direction towards helping Wales to become a zero-waste nation by 2050, will provide a much-needed facility for businesses in Powys and the surrounding area and will contribute a significant amount of green energy for consumption.

“Thanks to the public consultation we held, we’re aware that the local community has questioned the project and we’ve listened to people’s voices.

"Many concerns have been based on outdated misconceptions that conjure up the smoking chimney stacks of the 1980s, rather than the technology that is available today. Modern-day Energy Recovery Facilities are a great way to create sustainable energy while removing non-recyclable waste from landfill.

“We remain committed to being open and transparent throughout the remainder of the planning process and will continue to address any questions that are raised with us.”

Inspectors will take around six weeks to decide whether or not to accept it,a nd if so, a report will be sent to the relevant Welsh Minister as to whether the project can proceed.

The decision-making process could take up to 36 weeks, during which time the local community will be invited to liaise with the Inspectorate with questions and comments about the planned facility.

The full application will be available to the public on the Powys planning website if and when the application is accepted.

People will also be able to view the documents on the Broad Energy (Wales) website at www.broadenergywales.co.uk from March 1.