Permit Variation Approved for Increased Waste Processing
A south London incineration company has received approval to process tens of thousands of additional tonnes of waste annually following a permit variation authorized by the Environment Agency.
Viridor Ltd is now permitted to increase the volume of waste processed at its energy recovery facility to 382,286 tonnes per year, representing an increase of nearly 35 tonnes.
Community Concerns and Opposition
This decision has been met with opposition from residents living near the Beddington site, who have expressed concerns about pollution and increased traffic. These concerns were previously communicated to the BBC.
Christopher Woolmer, Chair of Sutton Council's environment committee, expressed his disappointment with the ruling, stating the council had consistently opposed the permit variation.
In the period leading up to the decision, local residents reported unpleasant odors and a near-constant flow of lorries servicing the facility. Community campaigners and councillors indicated that multiple objections had been submitted to the Environment Agency on their behalf.
Concerns have been further heightened by reports of prior emissions breaches at the energy-from-waste plant.
Emissions Breaches and Company Response
The incinerator exceeded its emission limits 916 times between 2022 and 2024. Viridor attributed these breaches to a third-party contractor and characterized them as very small in scale.
The company stated that the breaches did not pose a risk to human health and confirmed that safeguards have been implemented to prevent future occurrences.
Environment Agency's Position
The Environment Agency indicated satisfaction that the permit variation complies with environmental legislation and provides a high level of protection for human health and the environment.
Stringent Conditions and Monitoring
Matt Higginson, an environment manager for the Environment Agency, said permits placed "stringent conditions" on waste sites.
"Emissions from the plant are monitored around the clock, and the data is rigorously assessed to identify if any breaches to the permit occur."
The agency retains the authority to suspend or revoke permits, issue enforcement notices, or pursue prosecution in serious cases.
The updated permit also permits the site to temporarily store and move certain hazardous and clinical waste; however, these materials will not be incinerated at the energy recovery facility.
Council's Formal Objection and Future Actions
Woolmer noted that the council formally objected last year, citing concerns that the site and plant lack the capacity to manage the proposed increased waste volume and highlighting Viridor's repeated permit breaches, which resulted in a downgrade of its compliance rating.
"We stand with our local residents who share our serious concerns.
While we recognise that energy from waste facilities has a role in managing waste, it is imperative the highest standards are maintained.
We will now consider what action we can take to ensure that all our objections were properly considered and that the necessary safeguards are in place."
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