Virtual consultation events for Buttington ERF plans

Developers behind plans for a major Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) at Buttington will be holding virtual consultation events.

Broad Energy will be putting public safety first during Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on public gatherings before the plans are considered by Welsh Government.

Broad Energy’s plans will include a series of public webinars, telephone surgeries and information sent through the post to allow people to receive all the detail they need on the proposed development and to have their say in a safe and responsible manner. 

As current Government guidelines prevent public gatherings, Broad Energy has decided to change its consultation plans from a physical local venue to a virtual platform, avoiding the need for face-to-face interaction and protecting all involved, whilst at all times adhering to Government and statutory legislation. 

All the consultation documents and information will also be available to read on the project website (broadenergywales.co.uk) along with more options to submit questions to the project team.

“Our first priority must always be the health and safety of the public, ourselves and our colleagues,” said Alistair Hilditch-Brown, Chief Executive of Broad Energy.

“We appreciate that many people in the locality will want to see the plans and get involved in the consultation, which was planned to be held at a public venue in July 2020. Unfortunately, the current pandemic means this is not possible. 

“We are going to be doing everything we can to ensure the community is able to have its input into the consultation process in a safe and socially responsible way.

“We are going beyond what is expected of us in the statutory requirements and making sure people can have their say in a way that protects the local community, and we have received positive feedback from the Planning Inspectorate on the changes we have made to our consultation.

“In developing this approach, we have considered best practice guidance on consultation such as the Cabinet Office’s consultation principles and the Consultation Institute’s advice on COVID-19, and have considered how other similar sized projects have operated their consultations during this period. 

“We have covered as many bases as possible given the current circumstances. However, if later in the year there are any individuals who feel they have not been able to participate through the means we have provided, then we may consider making some alternative arrangements for them if Government advice dictates it is safe to do so.”

The proposed ERF will use state-of-the-art technology, provided by Hitachi Zosen Inova, which has a significant track record in building such facilities. It will be capable of processing non-recyclable waste and transforming this into low-carbon electricity.

More information on the consultation will be released over the coming weeks.