POOLE Harbour was among three sites considered for an energy recovery facility described as an "incinerator", before developers decided on Chapel Lane.

More than 700 objections have been lodged to plans for a low carbon energy recovery facility in Chapel Lane, Christchurch.

Eco Sustainable Solutions LTD wants to install the facility for the generation of electricity and heat through a “low-emission thermal process using residual waste” at their site in Chapel Lane.

Developers say the energy generated would be enough to heat 6,000 homes a year and power 8,000 a year.

The development will also include the recycling of 10,000 tonnes per annum of non-hazardous residual waste.

Union4Planning, on behalf of the applicant, provided a letter to planning officials explaining the Nuffield Industrial Estate, Mannings Heath Industrial Estate and Poole Harbour were considered as potential sites for the facility.

The letter said: “Nuffield Industrial Estate and Fleets Corner Business Park are characterised by existing industrial buildings with large footprints.

“The high rate of occupancy across the estate and the general absence of available space meant that there were no suitable sites available which could accommodate an energy recovery facility.

“Moreover, the proximity of the industrial area to the residential housing at Canford Heath would pose a constraint in terms of emissions and increased traffic along the main arterial route of the A3049.

“Mannings Heath is in a good strategic location, which comprises allocated employment land with relatively good access.

“However, the industrial estate is characterised by smaller, more fragmented landholdings, which would make it difficult to accommodate the built footprint and HGV manoeuvring requirements of an energy recovery facility.

“Poole Harbour was also considered by the Applicant as a potential location. However, the harbour lands sit on the eastern edge of the Dorset AONB and are subject to a level of visual exposure that is comparable to land around Portland Port.

“In addition to this constraint, there were no sites available for a sufficient leasehold, and this is unlikely to charge given the relative value of the land for shipping activities.”

Nearly 730 objections had been lodged at the time of writing. Alasdair Keddie, co-chair of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Green Party, said: “Despite the glossy ‘carbon friendly’ PR, the Hurn Energy Recovery Facility is an incinerator project.

“The word ‘incinerator’ is scrupulously avoided throughout the planning application and supporting information from Eco Sustainable Solutions Ltd.

“Energy recovery from incinerating waste is not low carbon or climate friendly. It is essentially generating energy from dirty fossil fuel.”

Consultation ceased at the end of 2021 and the plans will be put forward for approval of refusal in the coming months.