THE ENVIRONMENT Agency (EA) has launched an eight-week public consultation on a draft environmental permit for an incinerator in Carlisle. 

The consultation, which opened on December 2, is in relation to a new energy-from-waste facility in Kingmoor Park, Carlisle.

Its closing date is set for January 27 and has been made four weeks longer than usual, in recognition that Christmas and New Year could make it harder for people to respond.

This is the second consultation about the proposed permit, following an application by Fortum Carlisle Limited in 2020.

After assessing the application and all comments from the first consultation, The Environment Agency decided to issue a draft permit and draft decision document.

John Neville, area environment manager for the EA, said: "We are committed to doing everything possible to listen to the views of local people and other organisations as part of our rigorous permitting process.

READ MORE: Greens say new energy facility could make Carlisle a 'waste city'

"After carefully considering all information and views submitted during our last consultation on this site, we are now consulting again on our draft decision and inviting comments from anyone who has an interest in the proposed facility.

"We will consider all new comments before making a final decision. If you would like to let us have your views, please visit our on-line site, email us at pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk or call our National Customer Contact Centre on 03708 506 506.”

The idea of bringing an incinerator north of Carlisle has been fraught with controversy ever since its inception, with The Green Party, Carlisle Residents Against Incinerator (CRAIN) and some local residents being vocal in their objections. 

A spokesperson from CRAIN, David Mudge, said: "Many concerns have not been adequately addressed. The Environment Agency hasn't even made the changes Natural England said are necessary. If this incinerator goes ahead, the pollution will harm our health and the environment. CRAIN encourages everyone to object."

All documents can be viewed and commented online at https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/ca6-4se-fortum-carlisle-limited-ca6-4se.

Comments can also be emailed to pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk

READ MORE: Campaigners say it's 'alarming' that draft incinerator permit is 'withheld'