Public Inquiry Cancelled…
February 2017 Planning Decision Upheld…Veolia’s Plans Defeated…WE’VE WON!
First – many thanks to the scores of people who have sent emails, texts, phone and social media messages celebrating this extraordinary victory.
But be sure, it’s YOUR victory; we’ve had a small group working for you, from Long Leys Residents’ Association together with the StopVeolia campaign, but we couldn’t have done it without the extremely high level of support we’ve had. On behalf of all those team members, we thank you most sincerely.
What Happens Next
Veolia’s original proposals are now dead, and the file is closed. The company cannot revive that plan, and the decision of the February 2017 planning meeting stands firm. Veolia emailed us, and we have copies of the letter they sent the Planning Inspectorate, and the Inspectorate’s confirmation to us that no further action will take place. The original plan is dead. View the Official Confirmation letter.
What Made Veolia Pull Out?
View a copy of their letter but in brief the company talks about ‘concerns raised by residents’, and the ‘significant anxiety amongst our neighbours which we would wish to minimise’. It does not rule out further proposals for the site, and the company still claims that the planning decision (by which terms it is now bound) was flawed – but that’s irrelevant now.
LLRA/StopVeolia View
Despite Veolia’s new concern about residents (which we should celebrate!) our view is the company recognised there are issues fundamental to their operation which rule out any expansion – principally disturbance from number, size, and hours of vehicle movements, and access to the site. We have the data and video proofs to support this. Indeed we are still pursuing, with the Office of the Traffic Commissioner, changes to Veolia’s existing vehicle operating licence to stop early morning noise disturbances to residents from Veolia vehicle movements. The operating licence is due for renewal in 2020.
We believe it was these factors that made them decide they couldn’t face us or the county council planning team in a Public Inquiry.
But putting that behind us for now, we would welcome – and be constructive participants in – any dialogue with Veolia on alternative uses for the site, should they choose to relocate their operations.
But Stay Vigilant
There is however nothing at all to stop Veolia putting in a new, different, application. How likely this may be is pure speculation. But be comforted that the original plan cannot be revived; also that we are ready and watching, with an existing team, and a great deal of knowledge and expertise built and developed over the past 15 months.
What About The Money Raised?
We need to take stock of our commitments and speak to the consultants and legal experts – not least our barrister – to see exactly what our obligations are. We shall also explore whether we can recover any of the money we have spent.
We said at the very outset that any surplus funds would be devoted to the benefit of the community, and we stand by this.
But for now, all we can properly say is ‘watch this space’. Our facebook / email / noticeboard / web sites will remain active (you can unsubscribe if you don’t want this) and we will keep you informed of progress. Our work on this aspect isn’t finished yet.
Once again – thanks for all your help and support! We couldn’t have done it alone.
It’s your victory, and we should all be very proud of what we’ve done.
John Shipton says
This was published on the Lincolnshire Echo web site for today, 24th January 2018, on https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/people-power-waste-firm-admits-1107146
Notice the statement from the solicitor representing the company whereby the company has taken the decision to withdraw their appeal and not to proceed with the proposals that was planned by Veolia ES (UK) Limited.. See within the statement this…”the decision has been taken to withdraw the appeal and not to proceed with the current proposals at the present time.” Read the rest of the statement which reveals another planning application has not been ruled out.
Only now, the representing solicitor of behalf of Veolia has their statement been made. But nothing from the company beforehand was said in explaining why they withdrew their appeal after being contacted by the media.
The four words “at the present time” indicates a future intention, for Veolia is committed to their business plan and still has an agenda for something of a Waste Transfer Station, while it appears that the reality is from the company towards the concerns of local residents living in the Long Leys Road area of Lincoln, is a red herring and such concerns from them are not to be trusted.
Keep alert and vigilant what may be on the horizon!
John Shipton says
The withdrawn appeal was mentioned by BBC Look North reporter called Zake Zuckerman on his Twitter page as seen here on https://twitter.com/jakezuckerman?lang=en
Their appeal withdrawal was made a news item on LSJ News as recorded here on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdGUwz5ZBLo
Was mentioned here twice on the web site link on https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/city/Lincoln/ Just scroll down to view.