Lublin Blocks Planned Waste Incinerator on Mełgiewska

5 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

City hall refused permission for a waste incinerator in Lublin on zoning grounds and amid local protests.

City authorities in Lublin refused environmental approval for a proposed waste incinerator in Lublin on Mełgiewska Street. Consequently, the planned project by local firm Megatem cannot proceed under current zoning rules.

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Why the city stopped the plan

The deputy mayor for Investment and Development, Tomasz Fulara, explained the denial. Moreover, he said the project contradicts the local spatial development plan. Therefore, the site allows industrial and warehouse uses only. In addition, the plan does not permit waste processing or burning installations. However, the city stressed that administrative decisions must follow law and resident interests. Consequently, planners and lawyers cite recent case law. Moreover, they note that such installations require explicit local-plan permission.

Waste incinerator in Lublin: the local battle

Residents and activists protested the proposal repeatedly. Furthermore, they argued incinerators harm public health and the environment. However, the investor promised economic benefits. In addition, Megatem already runs a cogeneration plant on the old car factory site. Nevertheless, opponents highlighted risks such as emissions, traffic, and odors. Moreover, they questioned whether the plant would lower local property values.

Other bidders and parallel disputes

Previously, one investor withdrew. In contrast, a firm linked to businessman Zbigniew Jakubas stepped back. Consequently, its large planned outlay of PLN 850 million to 1 billion stalled. Meanwhile, another company tied to Kom-Eko pursued a plant on Metalurgiczna Street. Moreover, that firm obtained an environmental decision. However, activists appealed that approval. Therefore, environmental groups sued on grounds of height and city skyline impact. In addition, they said the planned 43-metre stack would dominate the city view. Consequently, the Voivodeship Administrative Court sided with challengers in that case.

What happens next

The city decision remains first instance. Therefore, Megatem can appeal to the Samorządowe Kolegium Odwoławcze (SKO). Moreover, SKO could reverse or uphold the refusal. However, further appeals could reach the Voivodeship Administrative Court (WSA). In addition, the developers may revise plans to fit zoning rules. Consequently, a smaller project may reappear. Nevertheless, legal battles will take time. Therefore, residents should expect months of uncertainty.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: For expats, Polish planning uses a local spatial development plan (miejscowy plan zagospodarowania przestrzennego). Moreover, environmental approvals are called “decyzja środowiskowa.” In addition, appeals go first to the Samorządowe Kolegium Odwoławcze (SKO) and then to the Voivodeship Administrative Court (WSA). Furthermore, if you live here register local matters with your PESEL (national ID number) and expect dealings with institutions like ZUS (social insurance) or NFZ (health service) for related permits or health checks. Therefore, follow public consultations closely and join local meetings if you have concerns.

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