A £300 million incinerator proposed for Wisbech has been granted development consent by the UK government, sparking controversy over potential conflicts of interest involving Environment Secretary Steve Barclay. The facility, planned by MVV Environment on Algores Way Industrial Estate, would burn up to 625,600 tonnes of non-recyclable waste annually, generating over 50 million watts of electricity and 30 million watts of steam heat for local industrial use.
The project, named the Medworth Energy from Waste Combined Heat and Power Facility, was approved by Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho on 20 February, bypassing local authority scrutiny due to its scale. MVV Environment managing director Paul Carey expressed satisfaction, stating construction could begin in 2025, with 700 jobs created during the three-year build and 40 permanent positions thereafter.
However, the incinerator faces strong opposition from local councils, including Wisbech Town Council and Fenland District Council, as well as MPs Steve Barclay and Liz Truss. Barclay, whose North East Cambridgeshire constituency includes the site, has vowed to continue fighting the plans, calling the approval “terrible news for our area.”
Questions have been raised about Barclay’s role as environment secretary, which would normally involve deciding on the facility’s operating permit. Officials reportedly flagged potential conflicts of interest, leading to Barclay being recused from the decision. Labour’s shadow environment secretary Steve Reed has demanded Barclay publish any correspondence with the Environment Agency on the matter.
A government spokesman confirmed that Mark Spencer, not Barclay, would handle any permit decision. The Environment Agency will only issue an operating permit if it is satisfied that harm to the environment, people, and wildlife is minimised. Meanwhile, opponents describe the approval as a “huge disappointment” and vow to continue their fight against what they call the “cathedral of stench.”
