A BID to build a huge incinerator near Reading has prompted one of town’s MPs to stand up against the proposal.

Earlier this year, people living in the area began opposing a plan by waste management company J Mould to build an incinerator at its site off Berrys Lane in Burghfield.

The plan was submitted to West Berkshire Council as the site falls under its jurisdiction.

Recently, the council’s eastern area planning committee voted to approve it, despite arguments that emissions coming from the incinerator poses health risks that could harm people living in West Reading and Whitley.

The scheme has also been opposed by Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East, who has voiced concerns about the impact the incinerator could have on people in Reading.

Mr Rodda said: “I am disappointed that the plans for an incinerator have been approved and I am concerned about the potential effects on local residents and the environment.

“I’m concerned about air quality, an increase in the number of HGVs on roads in our area and also the visual impact of the chimney stacks.

“Although planning permission has been granted  I hope West Berkshire Council will impose conditions on the development.”

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Mr Rodda wrote in opposition to the plan prior to it being decided on.

He argued the two 50 metre chimney stacks included in the plan would be visible across a wide area, and questioned where an incinerator would fit in goals for net zero carbon emissions.

His letter to West Berkshire Council states: “While burning rubbish is currently allowed this policy may change given the rapid increase in recycling and the drive towards net-zero.

“The growing use of biodegradable and compostable plastic may also make the proposed incinerator redundant in the future.”

However, during the planning meeting, it was pointed out that the incinerator would lead to the creation of up to 50 jobs and reduce the need to transport waste landfill, potentially in places far from Berkshire.

Councillor Alan Macro (Liberal Democrats, Theale) said: “Some of our waste is going as far as Essex and East Sussex.

“So there is a need for this.”

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The incinerator is officially called an ‘energy recovery centre’, with J Mould also applying to build an adjacent data centre on site.

Ultimately, the final decision on the incinerator will be made by the Secretary of State for the Environment.

If the  Secretary of State approves, the build can go ahead.

Once constructed, the incinerator would be used to dispose of 150,000 tonnes of waste per year.

You can view the plan by typing reference 20/02029/COMIND into West Berkshire Council’s planning site.