Controversial incinerator plans at Kingmoor Park get the go-ahead

Following the public consultation, Fortum Carlisle Limited looks to bring the waste incinerator ambitions to land south of Kingmoor Park Industrial Estate.

Although the permit has been accepted, the site operator will not be able to operate the site until the Environment Agency are satisfied that they have met all the pre-operational conditions - such as 'arrangements for monitoring emissions' produced by the plant.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: "Following a public consultation, we have accepted a permit application for Kingmoor Energy from Waste, in Carlisle.

"We understand that this may not be the news some people were hoping for. However, we are unable to refuse a permit if we cannot find any evidence that the operation of such a site may cause significant harm to the environment or to human health.

"We would like to reassure members of the public that, that the operator will have to obtain written approval from us around specified plans and procedures that must be in place before operating. For example, the arrangements for monitoring emissions to air and clarification of waste acceptance procedures.

"Once the site is operational, our regular site inspections and pre-operational checks mean that we can ensure site operators are clear about their responsibilities to meet their environmental permit conditions and operate in a way that protects the environment.”

Many Carlisle residents and representatives have spoken out since the plans were first put in the pipeline, including Carlisle's Green Party. 

One group, Carlisle Residents Against Incinerator (CRAIN), was set up to oppose the plans upon the original application, which have been in the pipeline since 2016.

David Mudge, spokesperson from CRAIN said: "The Environment Agency should be protecting the environment, but instead they are granting permission when better solutions exist. 

"The pollution will inevitably harm health, the environment and the climate. 

"We will continue to oppose this incinerator, which is the wrong way to deal with waste, using the wrong technology and is in the wrong place. 

"How can this possibly be justified? We will be scrutinising all the details of the Environment Agency's decision when it makes them available. 

"CRAIN is aware of individuals who will be looking very seriously at the possibility of a legal challenge," he said. 

Residents protest outside council offices in opposition to incinerator plans in 2021 (Image: Newsquest)

A group of health professionals also penned a letter to highlight concerns and the 'unaddressed' issues of potentially bringing an incinerator plant north of Carlisle.

In the letter, penned by Dr. John Campbell; Dr. Helen Davison; Dr. Bill McClay; and Mr. Gareth Palliser MSc, concerns were raised that the Environment Agency has failed to 'protect' local people, highlighting significant health issues associated with burning plastic such as an increase in nitrous oxides in the air (pollutants associated with respiratory illnesses) as well as an increase in cancer-causing dioxins.

A spokesperson from Fortum Carlisle Limited said: "We are pleased to see that the environmental permit has been issued.

"While there is still a lot of work to do, the project has passed a significant milestone and we look forward to the project’s environmental benefits being realised."