Construction has begun on a controversial waste-to-energy incinerator in Westbury, Wiltshire, with completion expected by the end of 2028. The project faced years of opposition from local councils and residents, but received government planning permission in 2023. Northacre Renewable Energy Ltd (NREL) claims the incinerator will generate electricity and provide a safe, sustainable solution for non-recyclable waste. However, locals express concerns about emissions and air quality, despite stricter planning rules recently introduced by the government for new incinerators. Construction is currently focused on a bund, a secondary containment system to prevent spills or pollution. NREL aims to complete this by the end of December, followed by further construction next year after planning conditions are approved. These conditions include an air emissions management plan and a waste limit of 243,000 tonnes annually, with 191,000 tonnes transported by road and the rest from the nearby waste recovery centre. Westbury Town Council, residents, and local MP Andrew Murrison have campaigned against the facility, raising concerns about its location and air quality. Permission was granted after NREL appealed to the government's planning inspectorate. Jane Russ, a town councillor and mayor, acknowledges the town council's shift to monitoring air quality, installing monitors to establish a baseline for comparison. NREL emphasizes the environmental benefits, stating that energy recovery facilities reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions. They commit to using advanced technology for safe, efficient, and sustainable operations, with the site regulated by the Environment Agency. The public is invited to share story ideas with BBC Wiltshire via social media and email.
