Chieveley beauty spot incinerator plan sparks row

Plans for an incinerator in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Berkshire have been met with opposition.

Waste management firm Grundon wants to build the facility in the Old Kiln Quarry site adjacent to the M4 motorway at Chieveley.

But campaigners believe the incinerator will damage the landscape and see a big rise in vehicle movements.

The company said it was committed to listening to residents and would hold a consultation event early next month.

'Safe and efficient'

Werner Sanderson, chair of the action group Curridge Residents Association, said: "This isn't really necessary, it is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"If this proposal is allowed then it will change the nature of the area for generations to come. There could be anything up to 35,000 vehicle movements a year.

"If this was a brownfield site or an industrial site I think people would be less concerned... [but] it is an area used for leisure and recreational activities."

Grundon said the incinerator would provide a safe, efficient and environmentally sustainable way of dealing with residual waste while providing electricity for about 50,000 homes.

Bob Nicholson, director of estates at Grundon, said: "Grundon is committed to community consultation and is keen to ensure people have the opportunity to view and comment on the proposals before they progress with a formal planning application."