We could become the dumping ground for West's rubbish, says Bristol City councillor
Avonmouth could become the dumping ground for the West's rubbish if plans for an incinerator are approved, according to councillors.
Bristol City Council has officially objected to proposals from waste company SITA to build a 400,000-tonne centre at the Severnside Works in Severn Road, between Avonmouth and Severn Beach.
The incinerator would process commercial and industrial waste and operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Although the council won't make a decision on the plans, it was asked to submit its views to neighbouring South Gloucestershire Council, which has the site of the proposed plant within its borders.
The city council's north area committee raised a number of concerns about the proposals at a meeting yesterday.
Steve Comer (Liberal Democrat, Eastville) said: "I don't think that – where we are with waste policy in the West of England – we can do anything other than object to this application.
"There is a wish that Avonmouth could be a focal point in the area for environmental technology.
"But if this application goes through we could end up being the West of England's dumping ground.
"You've got to keep feeding the beast to keep the incinerators going."
Members raised concerns about the environmental impact of the incinerator and the increased amount of lorry journeys bringing waste to the site.
Councillor Barbara Lewis (Conservative, Brislington East) was concerned there were no grounds for objections.
But the majority of the committee disagreed, going against officers' recommendations to make no objection to the proposals. The committee said SITA had not proved the need for such a centre.
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by White Van Man, In the city
Thursday, March 11 2010, 6:38PM
“The reason this proposal has been rejected is because. Hmm let me think now...
Oh yeah, BCC is hell bent on charging us all loads more cash for collecting our rubbish via the controversial chip-n-bin scheme.
Golden opportunity for cheaper fuel, being disregarded really makes a lot of sense.
'Increased amount of lorry journeys bringing waste to the site', what a ridiculous excuse. After all it's gotta go somewhere hasn't it?
Should we consider building a cycle path there, and pay people to cycle it to the site instead?
Has anyone in cloud cuckoo land (College Green) thought we can charge for the disposal of the waste, which will eventually become fuel and generate more cash.
It's called a win-win situation, from where I'm sitting.”
by Tarq, Upper Clifton Villi age
Thursday, March 11 2010, 3:35PM
“@ the headline . . we already are the dumping ground . .yes for lazy scum on benefits and people from Meadville & Artcliffe and any one called Zane.”
by Blah, Bristol
Thursday, March 11 2010, 3:04PM
“How about using all that energy from burning rubbish to heat an outdoor lido. Severn Beach used to be famous for its lido! Sita gets what they want and the community get something back. Make it so!”
by hannah, bristol
Thursday, March 11 2010, 2:34PM
“I agree with Phil avonmouth is a good spot, or there is always the Isle of wight.”
by Jamie E, Stokes Croft
Thursday, March 11 2010, 2:14PM
“Dumbo, brilliant!
We should all take responsibility for our own waste by burning/flushing as much as we can.
Failing that we need to convince another location, such as Bath or Chippenham to become the waste dump of Bristol. This can be easily done with lots of groovy marketing language and powerpoint slides showing how much carbon the ecosystem will save.”
by Angela, Redland
Thursday, March 11 2010, 1:36PM
“I say bring it to Clifton, we are high up, have lots of land and open space and this will be ideal to build an incinerator. Why Avonmouth, surely it's easier to bring it here?”
by PeteM, Rubbishsville
Thursday, March 11 2010, 12:38PM
“We should embrace this, and become Europe's capital for rubbish dumping!
Please delete me, let me go...”
by Dumbo, Bristol. Ish
Thursday, March 11 2010, 11:47AM
“I dunno what all the fuss is about regarding rubbish.
I just stick mine in a bag, leave it outside my house on a Tuesday morning. When I get home after work it's gone. I think more people should try it. It's by far the easiest way to deal with it.”
by The Hedgehog, Horfield
Thursday, March 11 2010, 11:07AM
“No, that's Briz, Zane ;)”
by Zane, Brislington
Thursday, March 11 2010, 10:03AM
“When i read this headline i thought it was a story about criminals , assylum seekers and chavs.”