Synenergy seem to have decided to cancel plans for an incinerator (Energy Recovery
Facility or ERF) at Mossdown Road in Royton. The company had announced their proposal
and carried out a pre planning application consultation process in November 2019. Since
then – nothing. No application nor any update for worried local residents.
Royton’s Labour Councillors and Jim McMahon (MP for Oldham West and Royton) had all
voiced their strong opposition to the plans and have been waiting for an update from
Synenergy ever since.
Councillor Hannah Roberts (Royton North) said ‘This planned ERF – or what we would call
an incinerator – was never a good idea. It was too big and in the wrong place. More
importantly, it would have blown out tonnes of Carbon Dioxide when the world needs to be
reducing not increasing emissions. We need to produce less waste rather than finding ways
of getting rid of it.’
Councillor Marie Bashforth (Royton South) added ‘This was no better than the previous
application which was turned down by Oldham Council. Access issues and problems caused
by increased traffic on the roads around Mossdown Road had not been dealt with. I am
relieved it seems that residents in my ward don’t have to worry any more about the
incinerator being built and the bad impact on their lives. I am really pleased the pressure we,
and Jim McMahon, put on the developers means they appear to have changed their minds
and won’t being going ahead with their plans.’

Jim McMahon MP said, “I’m glad that the opposition from local councillors, residents and
myself has had the desired effect and these plans seem to have been scrapped.”

“They were never right for Royton or for the Borough of Oldham, the proposals were too big
and the impact on local traffic would have been too heavy.”

“Going forward we will scrutinise whatever plans the developers now have for the site and
seek to ensure they are in the best interests of the people of Royton.”