RESIDENTS will get their first opportunity to scrutinise major plans for a new energy from waste combined heat and power facility.

UK-based firm MVV Environment Ltd is developing plans for the site at Canford Resource Park off Magna Road, Poole.

The company, which specialises in waste management and renewable energy generation, is aiming to submit a planning application to BCP Council in late spring.

A scoping opinion request was tabled with the local authority last year, which saw responses provided to offer a basis for any application and the environmental issues that need to be factored in.

As part of its work ahead of submitting full plans, MVV has organised three public consultation events for anyone wanting to find out more about the project, with staff on hand to answer questions and provide details about the project.

The sessions, which do not require booking in advance, are due to take place at The Hamworthy Club in Magna Road from 10am to 7pm on Thursday, January 12, Bearwood Community Centre in King John Avenue from 10am to 7pm on Friday, January 13, and The Hamworthy Club from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, January 14.

Paul Carey, MVV managing director, said: “An important part of the planning process is to consult the local community, and this is the first opportunity for local people to have their say.

“MVV takes consultation very seriously and we actively encourage two-way dialogue at all stages of the planning process.”

The wider Canford Resource Park is already an active waste management site, with a closed landfill and waste processing facilities.

The proposed development is a 260,000 tonne per annum energy from waste combined heat and power (EfW CHP) facility that will be carbon capture retrofit ready (CCRR).

MVV say this would generate 30 megawatts electric (gross) of electricity, with the majority available for export to businesses around the site, via a private wire connection, and to the National Grid.

Around five megawatts thermal of steam would be available to heat water to provide hot water for heating to users in Magna Business Park.