Environmental permit for incinerator quashed

A West Yorkshire waste operator has had its licence to run an incinerator revoked following a lengthy legal battle.

Calder Valley Skip Hire (CVSH) was granted an environmental permit to set up an incineration plant at its site in Sowerby Bridge last year, although thousands of local residents opposed the move on health and air quality grounds.

But Calderdale Council said on Friday it would "effectively quash" the permit following a recent High Court hearing.

CVSH has been contacted for comment by the BBC.

Earlier this year campaigners raised £10,000 to challenge the council's decision to grant CVSH the permit.

Among their grievances was the fact the permit was granted by officers, rather than debated by councillors.

Although the High Court initially refused permission for the campaign leader, Malcolm Powell, to apply for a judicial review in the case, that order has now been overturned, the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council said that after considering the case, it had decided to discuss the terms of a legal agreement with Mr Powell out of recognition of the "continued uncertainty" further court hearings would bring both sides.

In a statement, the authority added: "This will effectively quash, or cancel, the permit and means that a full judicial review will not be required."

Halifax MP Kate Dearden said she "strongly welcomed" the news

In a statement on Facebook, she added: "From meeting with local residents about the incinerator, I know the serious concerns held about the impact this proposed incinerator could have had on our local community - from residents' health to the effect on our local biodiversity.

"This is an important and welcome step - and one that shows the strength of our community's collective voice."

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