Design Approach Helps Gain Planning Permission for a Efw Facility In Cornwall

A distinctive, high quality design developed by architect David Butterworth has helped secure a planning green light for SITA’s Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre (CERC).

Although planners put forward a recommendation for approval, Cornwall Council initially turned down plans for the 240,000 tonne scheme. This was overturned on appeal by the Secretary of State, whose report recognised that the design was of a distinctive high quality.

David incorporated a series of curved roofs into the scheme to reflect the rolling forms of the countryside around St Dennis, near St Austell. Separating the stack from the rest of the buildings also provides an uncluttered appearance contrasting with the utilitarian appearance of the adjoining Parkandillick dryer complex.

He believes that good design for EfW plants emanates from an intimate understanding of the processes involved combined with sustainable, contextual architecture. He said: “For this project we had to overcome complex planning, ecological and visual issues.”

SITA Head of Construction, David Buckle, said: “David’s understanding of EfW process engineering and the approach used tocreate a plant design in harmony with its environment was invaluable in helping us gain approval for this facility.

The EfW incinerator will be capable of handling all of Cornwall’s domestic waste as well as being able to provide enough electricity to power 21,000 homes. Heat generated will also be used by the nearby China clay driers, helping to reduce the use of natural gas.