Swansea Council has issued a draft determination to refuse Tyregen UK Ltd’s application for an environmental permit to build and run a Small Waste Incineration Plant at Westfield Industrial Estate, Waunarlwydd. The proposed unit would process about 7,650 tonnes of pre-treated end-of-life tyres a year to produce pyrolysis oil, recovered carbon black and gas, a plan now in doubt.
In its 354-page draft decision, the council says it is not satisfied the facility would be operated in accordance with permit conditions, citing insufficient technical competence and an inadequate environmental management system. The draft also highlights unresolved fire, drainage and groundwater protections, and the presence of around 10,000 tonnes of existing hazardous wastes at the address under a separate, partially suspended permit.
“The applicant is unlikely to operate the regulated facility in accordance with the environmental permit,” the council’s draft determination states.
Tyregen’s application describes a pyrolysis process treating roughly 7,650 tonnes of tyre feedstock per year, yielding oil and recovered carbon black, with cleaned pyrolysis gas used to fuel the process. Council advisers also queried plant capacity, stack height assumptions and commissioning details during the determination.
Public representations on the draft refusal are open until 25 August 2025. If no submissions are received, the council says it will finalise the decision within five working days. If there are representations, it aims to finalise within 15 working days after the window closes, or longer by agreement with the applicant. Tyregen would have a right of appeal under the Environmental Permitting Regulations if the refusal is confirmed.
The council recorded 976 public responses during the process, with 975 objections and one in support. Regulators also considered whether the activity met thresholds for regulation as a SWIP or should fall under Part A(1) pyrolysis controls, though the council proceeded as an A2 SWIP after deeming the application duly made.
Separately, Neath Port Talbot Council says it concluded to refuse a Tyregen UK permit application for a SWIP at Byass Works, Port Talbot. That case is distinct but reflects the scrutiny applied to ELT pyrolysis proposals in South Wales.
A final refusal would remove a planned local ELT outlet for South West Wales, potentially keeping disposal journeys longer and delaying new rCB and tyre-derived oil supply in the region. The decision lands as policymakers review UK waste tyre rules and manufacturers invest in higher-spec pyrolysis capacity globally, shaping future demand and standards. See our coverage of Welsh policy moves and manufacturers’ pyrolysis projects for context.
The consultation closes on 25 August 2025. After that, Swansea Council will issue its final determination and notify the operator and public. If refused, Tyregen may appeal under section 31 of the Environmental Permitting Regulations.
Disclaimer: This content may include forward-looking statements. Views expressed are not verified or endorsed by Tyre News Media.
Sign up for our weekly briefing on key developments across the sector.
