Multi-million pound North London Waste Strategy in doubt following inspector's report (From Enfield Independent)

Multi-million pound North London Waste Strategy in doubt following inspector's report

1:41pm Monday 3rd September 2012 in News By Chris Hewett

A multi million pound waste strategy put together by seven London councils - including Enfield – failed to meet legal requirements, the Planning Inspector has ruled.

The North London Waste Plan (NLWP), which includes proposals for a huge waste plant in Pinkham Way, Southgate, was due to be assessed for its viability at a six-day hearing in June.

But just two hours into the hearing, the inspector abandoned the assessment following claims none of the seven councils had properly consulted surrounding authorities due to be impacted by the plan.

The inspector’s report of his findings, published on Friday, upheld complaints from authorities in Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire.

It concluded the North London Waste Authority - comprising councils in Enfield, Barnet, Haringey, Camden, Islington, Hackney and Waltham Forest - failed in its obligation “to engage, constructively, actively and on an on-going basis” with the county councils.

The NLWA can begin dialogue with the affected authorities and start the process again, though no decision has yet been made.

Plans for the Pinkham Way waste plant, which have been the subject of strenuous objection from campaign organisations and political groups over traffic and pollution fears, will also be affected.

Councillor Barry Rawlings, deputy leader of the Barnet Labour group, has been following the NLWP for several years and opposes plans for the Pinkham Way plant.

He said: “I’m not surprised by the findings. At the very best from the NLWP’s point of view, this has created a very long delay and a lot of uncertainty.

“They’re looking at the middle of next year at the earliest before this will get going again. It is a blow for the NLWA but not a total victory for those opposing it.

“We see this as an opportunity for the NLWA to reconsider the siting and suitability of the Pinkham Way plant and we will be urging them to do so.”