Work on Oxfordshire's new incinerator could start within weeks, Oxfordshire County Council has said.
A last ditch legal attempt by campaign group Ardley Against Incinerator (AAI) failed at the High Court earlier this month, paving the way for construction at the site near Bicester to get underway.
The authority has entered into a contract with Viridor Oxfordshire Limited for the construction of the Ardley Energy from Waste (EfW) plant. Planning permission for the plant was recommended for approval by a Government's planning inspector and was approved by Secretary of State Eric Pickles in February 2011.
The Ardley Energy from Waste (EfW) plant will treat at least 95 per cent of Oxfordshire's non-recyclable household waste, diverting it away from landfill, while generating enough electricity to supply more than 38,000 households. The development will ensure the county council avoids large tax penalties for sending waste to landfill.
Councillor Lorraine Lindsay Gale, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for growth and infrastructure, said: "In coming weeks we’ll see Viridor move on to the site and work will begin. It has been a long and exhaustive process to get to this stage, but the construction of the EfW facility will now become a reality.
"This much needed facility will bring real financial and environmental benefits to Oxfordshire. Not only will it treat most of our residual municipal waste saving us significant landfill tax costs, but it will also be able to treat much of Oxfordshire’s commercial and industrial waste too and help our businesses reduce their future landfill tax bill.
"We hope that now all the proper planning and legal processes have been completed people will accept this much needed facility going ahead."
Protestors from AAI spent around £50,000 fighting a legal battle against the plant, which they argued could be a health hazard to local residents. Spokesman Jon O'Neill said the group had achieved much in its battle against the plant, but would now come to an end.
"We have reached the end of our campaign and are still someway short of covering our legal bill - which is now a personal liability, " he said. "If anyone is minded to make a final contribution and help minimise this liability it would be much appreciated.
"It is disappointing that we are still no closer to confirming how much revenue Oxfordshire County Council will receive by letting Viridor process commercial and industrial waste alongside the thousands of tonnes coming from outside Oxfordshire."
Mr O'Neill said the AAI website would stay online for a few months, but the group would not be posted any more information on the site.
