A NEW environment permit application to run a controversial £4.3 million recycling facility in Abermule could face a two-month delay because of a backlog in demand at Natural Resources Wales.
A new application to run the North Powys Bulking Facility on the edge of the village has now been submitted to Wales' environment body by Powys County Council’s agents SLR consulting.
But there could be a two month wait before the application process gets fully underway amid high demand for the service.
NRW permit receipt advisor Tim O’Hara said: “Our determination process will assess all relevant material relating to your application and a decision cannot be reached until that process is completed.
“For certain applications we also undertake technical and public consultations.
“The waste permitting team is currently experiencing a high demand for our services.
“Unfortunately, this will increase the time before applications can be assessed for completeness, and if adequate, duly-made ready for technical determination and consultation, as necessary.
“The current estimate is a delay of approximately eight weeks."
He added that the agents would be told when the “technical determination” of the application can start.
Back in March, when the original permit application was refused by NRW the council had said it would appeal the decision.
The main reason behind the refusal was was the supply of water to tackle any fires that may happen at the site.
Powys has now said it will strengthen the fire prevention and mitigation plans by applying to install a water tank on the site.
Cllr Jackie Charlton, the council's cabinet member for a greener Powys, said: “The safe operation of the site is paramount, and the installation of the water tank should give some comfort to the community who have expressed concern about not having enough water on site in the event of an emergency.”
Campaigners Abermule Communities Together (ACT) have said that as the last permit application was given High Public Interest status, they expect this application to be the same priority, and a public consultation to take place.
ACT say they still have concerns that need to be addressed with the site.
The site is supposed to receive recycling collected from households across Montgomeryshire, where it will be squashed together or “bulked,” so that it can be more easily transported to processors to turn into new products.
The council has stressed that the facility is needed so that it can hit Welsh Government recycling targets.
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