Augean launches appeal

Northamptonshire County Council's decision came after the Wetherby-based company submitted a planning application to allow its East Northants resource management facility, to dispose of low level waste.

The wastes would include construction waste, mainly soils and rubble, with small amounts of radioactivity, arising from the demolition of ancillary buildings, such as offices and infrastructure, at decommissioning power stations, as well as other sources, such as hospitals and science and research facilities.

In a statement Augean said: "The scheme was refused in spite of a strong recommendation for approval by the professional planning officers of the county council and the support of the Environment Agency who have issued a clear statement of intent to authorise the disposals.

"Due to the contentious nature of the waste and the current political climate the potential for refusal of the application was anticipated and Augean was already prepared to take the application to the next stage of the process.

"Augean believes that the refusal was not based on sound scientific or policy grounds and will update the market on the appeal process."