Introduction

Plans for a proposed gasification plant in Carlisle have been officially rejected by Cumberland Council, following strong opposition from local residents and concerns over long-term health impacts. The plant, submitted by North-west Regeneration, was intended to process household waste into gas at the North West Recycling (NWR) compound in Rockcliffe.

Despite receiving a recommendation for conditional approval from planning officers, the council’s planning committee voted five to two against the project after a special meeting. The decision was largely influenced by public outcry and a lack of definitive evidence regarding the facility’s health implications for surrounding communities.

The application faced sustained resistance over an 18-month period. The rejection was met with loud applause from the public gallery, signifying widespread relief and approval from the local population. Residents, supported by over 1,200 formal objections, raised persistent environmental and safety concerns, many citing a previous fire at the same site in 2021 which burned for a full month.

Among the project’s most outspoken critics was local farmer John Story, who lives near the proposed site. He expressed gratitude and pride in the community’s effort, highlighting the risks posed to his asthmatic child and other vulnerable individuals. “You don’t know what it’s going to be like in five, ten, or fifteen years,” Story said, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding long-term exposure to industrial emissions.

Supporters of the gasification facility described the project as a modern, efficient solution to waste management. However, councillors remained unconvinced, pointing to insufficient data on its health and environmental effects, particularly when built near homes and agricultural areas.

The fire incident at the NWR facility in 2021 played a crucial role in fuelling opposition. It served as a stark example of what residents feared might occur again, especially given the scale and function of the proposed development.

North-west Regeneration did not issue a comment following the council’s decision. Their bid for full planning permission has now been effectively halted.

This case echoes a broader national trend, as illustrated by institutions such as the University of Kent, which are increasingly prioritising mental health and wellbeing. In Carlisle, community health took precedence over industrial expansion, demonstrating a shift in planning priorities that values public safety and wellness above economic or technological advances.

The council’s decision represents a clear message: without strong, evidence-backed assurances of safety, developments with potential health risks will face mounting resistance. Cumberland Council’s stance reinforces the growing demand for transparency, caution, and community-first planning in the face of industrial growth.