Three incinerator sites ruled out

The plan sets out ways of cutting amounts of waste sent to landfill

Three possible waste incinerator sites in Surrey have been ruled out after an inspector said they could have an adverse effect on wildlife habitats.

The sites, at Heather Farm and Martyrs Lane, Woking and the former Wisley Airfield, were being considered as part of the Surrey Waste Plan.

The county council is looking for the best way of dealing with 600,000-plus tonnes of household waste each year.

But its executive on Tuesday decided to withdraw the three sites from the plan.

Woking Borough Council formally objected last July to Heather Farm and Martyrs Lane being considered for incinerators.

Green belt

Despite the independent waste plan inspector's report, the sites are still earmarked for other waste management facilities such as recycling, storage and materials recovery.

"We are pleased that Surrey County Council is listening to our concerns," said Woking borough councillor Sue Smith.

"However, we are disappointed that both green belt sites continue to be earmarked for other waste treatment facilities."

The inspector said that nitrogen emissions from any incinerator on the three sites could damage heathland habitat for protected species of birds.

The county still has three remaining sites in the waste plan potentially suitable for an incinerator.

They are land adjacent to Trumps Farm, Longcross, Clockhouse Brickworks at Capel and Charlton Lane, Shepperton.

The Surrey Waste Plan is to be examined at a three-week public hearing in front of a planning inspector, starting on 13 February.