Tip site chimney stacks can go ahead

PLANNING bosses at Warrington have given the go-ahead to a controversial scheme for three 75ft high exhaust emissions stacks within the Arpley Landfill site.
The decision was made – at the second attempt – despite objections from 70 nearby residents.
Members of the borough council’s development management committee originally deferred consideration of the scheme togive the applicants, Infinis plc, an opportunity to revise the scheme and reduce the number of chimney stacks.
They were told the three stacks would replace an existing single stack which was no longer fit for purpose.
Residents claimed the stacks would result in plumes of a brown/yellow discharge climbing up to 50m in height, depending on the weather conditions.
This would result in a deterioration in air quality in the area, they argued.
But planning officers are recommended the scheme be approved.
They pointed out that the new stacks would not be as high as the existing one, nor as wide.
The stacks are required as part of a gas utilisation compound which uses gas from the landfill site to generate electricity. The existing stack is said to be nearing the end of its useful life.
At present, the whole future of the Arpley Landfill site depends on the result of a recent public inquiry.
But the committee was told the gas utilisation compound would be required even if the landfill site was forced to close.