Bexley’s Labour Group of Councillors have expressed disappointment at the decision on 9th April by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to approve the development of a second mass waste incinerator at Belvedere.
Labour Councillors spoke at the Cory Energy park hearings in June 2019 questioning the need for more waste incineration in South East London and the negative impact this and other industrial operations have on the area in terms of dust, air quality, odour and heavy traffic.
Councillor Stefano Borella ( Slade Green and Northend Ward) said:
These proposals don’t support increasing recycling rates and evidence shows local authorities that use these facilities have seen their recycling rates suppressed. In addition, the increased traffic and congestion as a result of cable laying to Littlebrook power station in Dartford will impact on air quality as a result of the disruption. It is bitterly disappointing that this announcement was released at the start of the Easter weekend during the current pandemic, when residents priorities will be on other issues.
A Bexley Labour spokesperson said:
This plant will detrimentally impact on the immediately adjacent Crossness nature reserve and will have a lasting impact on wildlife and habitats carefully nurtured over many years. In addition, this incinerator will increase fine dust particulate emissions and detrimentally impact on health and air quality in the local area.
Local MPs and the Mayor of London have raised objections at the building of a second incinerator. There is no statutory appeal process and the decision can now only be challenged by individuals or authorities via a judicial review process.