July 2007

Peel Re-submit Planning Application for Ince Marshes

Peel Environmental has re-submitted its planning application for the proposed Ince Resource Recovery Park.

In January 2006 Peel submitted an outline planning application to Cheshire County Council and an application under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to the then Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).  The County Council refused the outline planning application on 6 November 2006 and an appeal against this refusal was lodged in January 2007.  The DTI application remains undetermined and it is the view of what is now the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) that this application should be considered, through a public inquiry, alongside the appealed planning application.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has ‘recovered’ the appealed planning application and the Planning Inspectorate and the DBERR has confirmed that a conjoined public inquiry will held.  The likely date for the commencement of this inquiry is March 2008.

“The reason for submitting the new planning application is quite straightforward,” said Myles Kitcher, Director Peel Environmental Limited.

“Following the submission of the original application we provided a lot additional information in support of the proposals, especially with regard to ecology and the creation of a nature reserve.  We also think it would be helpful for all involved if further plans were made available. Rather than enter into a prolonged debate about whether this additional material can be added onto our appeal against the refusal, we believe it would be easier and simpler for all parties to submit a new application which contains the original proposal and the additional information.  We must stress that this re-submission does not seek to change the proposed development in any way.”

The proposals provide for 58 hectares of development land focussed on the rapidly growing environmental technology sector, designed on eco-industrial park principles and supported by rail and water transport opportunities.  In addition to the development land there is 77 hectares dedicated to tree planting, the creation of new habitats and a nature reserve, further enhancing the natural environment in this area.

“We believe that the proposals offer a sustainable way forward for addressing many of the environmental challenges the region faces whilst, at the same time, presenting major economic benefits. We continue to believe that the combination of these elements provide for a flagship development for Cheshire and the North West,” said Myles Kitcher.

The Recovery Park is designed to be a modern, clean and sustainable industrial park focussed on the reprocessing and remanufacturing of waste materials.  The proposals make use of Ince’s position on the Manchester Ship Canal with plans to use water and rail to transport a range of goods.