Controversial clinical waste incinerator plans for Stafford go to appeal
Controversial plans for a new clinical waste incinerator in Hixon, Stafford have gone to appeal before Staffordshire County Council has made its decision.
Applicant Inwaste Hixon Ltd has submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate after Staffordshire County Council failed to make a decision on the application within the statutory period or agreed extended period – known as “non-determination”.
Hundreds of Hixon residents turned out for a protest walk to raise awareness of the plans, earmarked for land on Hixon Industrial Estate and just metres from the village primary school, earlier this month. They fear the development could have health implications and say the incineration process is untried and untested.
MP Sir Gavin Williamson and local councillors joined the protesters for the walk through Hixon. In February he submitted a petition backed by more than 200 residents opposing the clinical waste treatment facility and urged Staffordshire County Council to “act in the best interests of the community”.
The county council’s planning committee is due to consider the application, which was first submitted to the authority in June 2024, at its meeting on Thursday (October 2). A report to the committee said: “The applicant considers that the county council ‘has had more than sufficient time to assess the planning merits of the proposal and reach a decision’.
“The county council were advised on 18 August by the applicant’s agent that the applicant was considering an appeal due to lack of progress on the committee date. The case officer informed the applicant’s agent on 19 August that the application would be taken to this planning committee meeting, having previously confirmed the October committee would be the next available meeting to determine the application.
“As a valid appeal has been submitted, the county council is now unable to determine the planning application. PINS (Planning Inspectorate) have advised that the determination of the application will now be made by them.
“PINS have further advised that the county council will need to provide an indication of the decision that would have been made had an appeal against non-determination not been submitted. The county council’s decision and reasons will then be considered within the appeal process.”
