Incinerator Construction to Proceed Despite Pending Environmental Permit

Construction for a contentious new incinerator is scheduled to commence even though the operating company has not yet secured an environmental permit. West Berkshire Council granted planning approval for the facility, situated on Berrys Lane, slightly north of Burghfield, close to Reading, in August 2022. Individuals expressing apprehension regarding the proposed waste-to-energy incinerator have been pressuring the government to intervene. J Mould (Reading) Ltd, the developer, stated that the incinerator would contribute to resolving waste management problems locally and affirmed it was “moving forward at pace”. The incinerator, designated as the Energy Recovery Centre, is projected to function continuously, 24 hours daily for 360 days annually, processing 150,000 tonnes of refuse each year. Its construction will occur adjacent to a new data centre, within an existing waste management facility located in a former quarry. Jay Mould, director of J Mould (Reading), issued a statement, saying: “We have major issues in the south of England, with nowhere to dispose of private sector commercial and industrial waste.” He added: “There is also a burgeoning need for artificial intelligence-ready data infrastructure and rising demand for electrical power. The development on our site addresses all three.” Mould further commented: “We have taken our time putting the designs together and addressing the planning conditions. We are now moving forward at pace and hope to start construction towards the end of next year.” The company additionally stated its intention to apply for an environmental permit, noting that this is not a prerequisite for commencing construction. However, it clarified that the centre “will not be operated” until the permit has been granted. Dave McElroy, a Reading Green party councillor, asserted that “nothing to suggest the government was serious about the climate crisis”. He further remarked: “They shouldn’t be just burning our waste. That’s just giving up on the whole environmental challenge.” McElroy questioned: “The last government put a pause on issuing new permits recently. Why couldn’t the Labour government do that? It’s entirely up to them. It’s their choice.” The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) issued a statement: “We are committed to cutting waste and moving to a circular economy so that we reuse, reduce and recycle more resources and help meet our emissions targets.” Olivia Bailey, the Member of Parliament for Reading West and Mid Berkshire, expressed that she shares the apprehensions of local residents regarding the incinerator. She stated: “The planning permission has been granted, there were 56 conditions placed with that planning permission.” Bailey also noted: “More broadly we’ve got to work really hard to reduce our need for incinerators in this country and the Labour government is currently reviewing our policy on this.” A spokesperson representing West Berkshire Council commented: “It was concluded that air quality matters were adequately addressed in the application submission and there would be no significant effect on air quality, dust, odour, or other influencers of human health due to the proposed development.”