The Government will decide whether a proposed £100 million hi-tech plant which can convert non-recyclable waste into aviation fuel, can go ahead in Theale.
Environmental Power International (Epi) and Claude Fenton (the land owner), jointly applied to West Berkshire Council to build the state-of-the-art centre at Theale Quarry.
It will use a process, patented by Epi, called Pure Pyrolysis that converts organic materials into alternative fuels and energy. The proposal attracted a £5m Government grant.
Although councillors at the March 5 meeting of the council’s Eastern area planning committee, unanimously voted to follow officers’ recommendation to approve the proposal, the scheme had been called in by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government the day before.
The council cannot issue a decision notice. Instead the Government will decide the scheme’s future.
Mike Roberts, representing the developer, told the meeting: “This will help redefine waste as a key resource in an increasingly circular economy.”
Two buildings are proposed on the 2.39-hectare site which will include offices at the front.
The team on the project includes Chetwoods on architecture, enzygo as both environmental consultant and planning consultant and SK on transport.
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