A Dorset Council Cabinet Member has spoken of his disappointment after saying he was denied the opportunity to address a BCP Council planning meeting about a proposed incinerator at Canford Resource Park near Wimborne.
Cllr Shane Bartlett, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, had asked to speak at the Western BCP Planning Committee meeting taking place on Thursday 12 June.
He said Dorset Council had hoped to present its position on the proposal, given the shared waste management responsibilities between the two local authorities. His request was turned down.
“I find this decision deeply disappointing,” he said. “It is frustrating to be unable to represent the interests of our residents, especially when the proposed waste incinerator could significantly impact both our communities and local ecology.”
Instead of speaking in person, his written statement may be read out by the chair of the committee.
In the statement, Cllr Bartlett sets out Dorset Council’s broadly neutral stance on the application, recognising that the site at Canford is already allocated for this type of facility in the jointly adopted Waste Plan.
However, he raises several points for consideration by the committee, particularly the level of waste processing capacity that would result if both the Canford proposal and another approved facility in Portland become operational.
Combined, they would allow for around 460,000 tonnes of residual waste treatment – double the amount originally planned for.
He also points to upcoming changes such as a carbon tax on plastics, which may reduce the amount of waste needing treatment, and notes the proposed site is within the Green Belt, where development must demonstrate very special circumstances.
The committee is being asked to decide whether the proposal aligns with the waste hierarchy, proximity principle and the most up to date strategic needs.
BCP Council did not offer an immediate comment when approached by Bournemouth One.