ARLA Foods has said that they continue to oppose the building of a waste incinerator in the town, despite concerns raised by Westbury town councillors that they have “retreated” from the debate.
At a meeting of the town council earlier in the month Arla’s decision to be an Interested Party at the upcoming inquiry rather than a Rule 6 Party, which means that the company will not be able to cross examine witnesses, was discussed. It was suggested that the dairy company is not hopeful that the plans will be turned down and that it went, “against their position that has been repeated in the press in the past.”
This was exacerbated by concerns from town councillors that Arla and Northacre Renewable Energy (the company behind the incinerator plans) have been in discussion over a potential provision to compensate the dairy for any down time should any emissions from the proposed incinerator (which would be built opposite the dairy) cause a temporary halt to production and subsequent loss in revenue.
The White Horse News asked Arla if there was any truth to these concerns and also for an explanation as to why they opted to be an Interested Party rather than a Rule 6.
In response, a spokesperson for Arla said, “We continue to be opposed to the proposed incinerator and will be making representations to the planning inspector accordingly. We remain fully committed to the success of the Westbury dairy and all of our colleagues who work there.”
Cllr Mark Bailey of Westbury Town Council said, “As a town council, we remain disappointed that Arla have chosen not to be a Rule 6 Party, however we are pleased that Arla will still be presenting evidence at the inquiry and that they have committed to continue to oppose the building of the incinerator.”
