The Timetable
Here's the timetable for the steps leading up to an incinerator at New Barnfield. As you'll see, the process itself is on track but it's the Planning stage which is likely to be the most controversial and open to Judicial Appeal.

December 2011
The Planning Application is in! Respond to the Planning Application consultation by clicking here.

April 2009-2010
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) takes place to investigate the geology, geography, traffic impacts and wildlife on and surrounding the New Barnfield reference site.

April 2009
Invite waste management companies to bid for the project.

June 2009
Discussions begin with bidders to look at their outline solutions for the development of a waste treatment facility in Hertfordshire. NOTE: although there's a real danger that they'll opt to use New Barnfield and aim to build an incinerator, we can still make a difference. Bidding companies can suggest other sites and different waste treatment technologies - nothing's set in stone yet! Sign the petition (click here to sign) if you'd like to support the campaign to persuade them to pick another site.

September 2009
The number of bidders is likely to be narrowed down to three or four companies who will be asked to provide a detailed development proposal. A range of different sites and technologies can be suggested here and the County Council will assess all submissions based on what provides the best solution for Hertfordshire. We can persuade them that New Barnfield isn't it.

January-September 2010
Talks continue with bidders to discuss their detailed solutions. Two bidders will then be selected to go through to the final tender stage.

September 2010
Invitation to submit final tenders.

March 2011
Procurement process reaches financial close and waste management contractor is appointed.

March 2011-2012
Planning permission process.

March 2012-2015
Construction and commissioning process.

March 2015
Fully operational waste management facility. Not in New Barnfield hopefully...