The first stage of an independent inquiry into a huge new plant in New Southgate begins tomorrow.

A preliminary meeting of the Planning Inspectorate’s public examination of the North London Waste Plan will be held at Camden Town Hall to finalise the details of a week-long public hearing in June.

Hundreds of people and organisations affected by the plan have applied to speak at the June hearing. The inquiry will assess whether the plan, which includes building a massive facility in Pinkham Way dealing with about 300,000 tonnes of waste each year, is viable and consistent with Government policy.

The plan also sets out future planning policies for waste management in north London for the next 15 years.

Last year, campaigners protested outside Haringey, Enfield and Barnet Councils arguing the plant will bring heavy traffic to an already gridlocked A406 and affect air quality.

Under the current plans, Pinkham Way would deal with waste from seven boroughs across north London and be home to a fleet of waste trucks from Barnet Council.

Haringey Council agreed to delay a decision on planning permission last year until another independent planning inspector provided a more detailed report on the plant. However, Enfield and Barnet Councils have already agreed the plans.