Incinerator plan could be "bulldozed" through

11:05am Wednesday 18th June 2008

UP TO six new waste plants could be built in the borough - without residents having the power to say no.

The news follows a move by the Government to attempt to dilute powers of local planning committees.

Edmonton is already home to the largest waste incinerator plant in Britain, and the North London Waste Plan is currently scouting for suitable industrial sites for a further six waste plans in north London.

And at least three appear to have been earmarked for development in Enfield.

They are the Industrial Business Park, in Great Cambridge Road, an unspecified industrial site in Brimsdown, and the Central Leaside Business area, on the border with Waltham Forest.

Proposed sites will be subjected to public enquiries in 2010, before which no building work can start.

Fears have been raised because the Planning Bill 2007/08, currently making its way through Parliament, proposes that an Infrastructure Planning Commission of state appointees takes over major planning applications from local planning committees.

That would mean the Government could push ahead with projects despite local opposition.

Cllr Terry Neville, cabinet member for environment, called the plans "an arrogant piece of legislation and an assault on local democracy".

He said: "If the Government gets its way Enfield could have new incinerator plants or power stations imposed on us without even residents having the power to say no' through the democratically accountable planning committee.

"It could mean an unelected quango bulldozing through their plans to impose more incinerators in Enfield without the democractically elected council having the chance to say no' on behalf of our residents."

Decisions on major national projects, which include waste disposal, would be based on national policy statements and fears are growing at Enfield Council that this reform will leave its own planning panel a toothless tiger - able only to deal with minor applications.

Cllr Neville added: "I call on all MPs who value their constituents' democratic right to decide what should or should not be built in their community, to fight tooth and nail against this undemocratic bill."

However, Enfield North MP Joan Ryan defended the bill, and accused Enfield Council's planning committee of failing residents.

She said: "The Tories need a good shake-up.

"Enfield residents have been failed by the current system, such as in the Enfield Island Village affair, where the promised school is yet to be built. The Tories are far too comfortable."

Ms Ryan argued the refo-rms will actually increase public participation in the planning process by giving residents greater access to it.

She said more people will be eligible to voice their opinion, and the Government will fund a £1.7million planning advice service for residents.