Sir – It is reported that if Viridor fail to get planning permission for their incinerator at Ardley, the county council is now contracted to pay £6m compensation (Report, August 12).
This fact will not influence the independent planning inspector who has presided over the recent public inquiry on last year’s planning application.
However, just as the public inquiry was starting, Viridor submitted an amended planning application for the same project (not amended in any of the parts I objected to). If the inquiry concludes that refusal was justified, and the Secretary of State agrees, the new planning application will have to be considered by councillors.
They will know that refusing permission again will cost the council £6m. This should not influence the committee’s decision, but how can it not? Will Viridor really have lost £6m if planning permission is refused? Why did they submit a second planning application when their first one was still under consideration? These things cost money. The county council may believe that once this project is under way, the problem will go away for 25 years. I think it will leave a legacy of disillusionment, distrust and anger.
Steve Gerrish, Kidlington
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