Consultation launched over incinerator permit

The facility will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, according to the developer

Residents can have their say on plans for a £150m incinerator on the outskirts of a town in Derbyshire.

The Environment Agency is running a consultation until 8 October into its intention to issue a permit for the incinerator at Keith Wilshee Way, off the A444 at Swadlincote.

R&P Clean Power Ltd is applying to run an energy-from-waste incinerator capable of powering 36,000 homes by processing up to 230,000 tonnes of waste per year.

The consultation follows a decision by campaigners from Community Against the Swadlincote Incinerator not to fight planning permission through the courts.

The incinerator was approved by a government inspector in August 2025 after being rejected by Derbyshire County Council's planning committee in 2024.

More than 3,400 people signed a petition opposing the scheme, and more than 1,200 submitted objection letters citing concerns over pollution, health issues, traffic and landscape impact.

But after taking legal advice the campaigners said the case was not strong enough to go to judicial review.

The proposed site for the project at the rear of the existing Willshee's waste facility

The Environment Agency said "after exploring the issues and concerns" that it "cannot find any reason to refuse" a permit.

A final decision has not yet been made.