Minister takes on Tory council in fight against giant waste plant

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12 April 2012

Transport minister Theresa Villiers is fighting her own party over plans to build Britain's biggest rubbish processing plant in north London.

Ms Villiers says she is "gravely concerned" about the Pinkham Way site close to Muswell Hill and Bounds Green, which could see more than 500 lorries a day delivering waste.

This week, Tory-run Barnet voted to back plans for the 24-hour site, which will process some 300,000 tons a year from seven boroughs. About 200 people protested outside Hendon town hall - and were branded a "rabble" by a senior councillor.

The facility, known as the EcoPark, would be on former sewage works. Plans include a building 75 feet high and the area of two football pitches.
Ms Villiers, Tory MP for Chipping Barnet, wrote to a constituent: "I too am gravely concerned. I have told the council I oppose these plans. I will be working with local groups campaigning against the proposals." North London Waste Authority, which will run the plant, wants pollution rules relaxed in exchange for creating 60 jobs.

Rubbish would be biologically treated and turned into fuel. Campaigners fear pollution and noise, and say the site, near the A406, is close to houses and schools. It already has high carbon dioxide levels, and exceeds limits for nitrogen dioxide pollution.

On Tuesday Barnet approved proposals to opt into the North London Waste Plan, the next stage in securing the plant. Tory Brian Gordon twice called campaigners a "rabble". Bidesh Sarkar, chairman of the Pinkham Way Alliance, said: "We were treated with absolute contempt." Resident Colin Parish added: "Maybe Theresa Villiers is part of the rabble too?"

The waste authority says the enclosed plant will have "odour control" equipment. It will submit a health assessment in its planning application to Haringey, the borough in which it is sited.

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