High Court Overturns New Barnfield Incinerator Opposition

The High Court has today backed the developer's plans for an energy from waste plant near Hatfield.

Veolia wants to build the site at New Barnfield, but along with many residents, Welwyn Hatfield Council had mounted a long campaign of opposition against the plans, saying the site was unsuitable. That view was backed by Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities.

However, today, a High Court ruling's quashed that decision, effectively giving Veolia the go-ahead.

In a statement today from cllr John Dean, the leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has expressed his disappointment with that:

"Naturally we are disappointed that the High Court has come to this conclusion. We have fought long and hard to make the case on behalf of residents that New Barnfield is an inappropriate site for the incinerator, as have the people of Hatfield. We need to thoroughly review the details of the judgement before we can comment any further."

The application to quash the Secretary of State's decision was brought by Veolia ES (UK) Limited under section 288 of the Town and Country Planning Act.

Terry Douris, Hertfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Highways & Waste Management, said: “We acknowledge the judgement announced today regarding Veolia’s High Court challenge. The county council will continue to follow developments regarding this case while awaiting a revised project plan from Veolia. We are fully aware that there have been concerns in the local area about these plans and we remain sensitive to these.”