But waste firm Cory Environmental, which is to build the riverside facility in the London borough of Bexley, has been warned it faces a “massive task to win over the local community”.
” The company may have convinced the Minister, but it still has a massive task to win over the local community. “
– Cllr Ian Clement, Bexley council
The Belvedere incinerator will form an integral part of Cory's 30-year contract with the Western Riverside Waste Authority.
It will take an average of 585,000 tonnes of waste each year by river from the four central London boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, Lambeth and Wandsworth.
Yesterday's planning approval by the DTI (see letsrecycle.com story) came more than 15 years after the first planning application was submitted for the plant.
Cory
Welcoming the decision by the DTI, Cory said it has set up a Riverside Community Forum to help build bridges with local residents over the development.
John Boldon, Cory group planning and communications director, said: “We have kept local people and groups involved all along the way. Now we need to work even more closely. This will include making sure local job opportunities are realised.”
Western Riverside Waste Authority general manager Colin James said the decision to allow the incinerator was a “good decision for London and a good decision for sustainable waste management”.
” We have kept local people and groups involved all along the way. Now we need to work even more closely. “
– John Boldon, Cory Environmental
Mr James said: “We have a successful household waste recycling service and a good educational recycling programme across the authority's four constituent boroughs. Gaining permission for the Belvedere facility to generate EfW was the final link in that integrated chain.”
Bexley
Locally, the Belvedere approval was met with some anger, with Bexley council telling letsrecycle.com it was “devastated” by the decision.
The council, which has opposed the plant on the grounds that it is treating waste from outside the borough – despite sending some of its waste to nearby Lewisham for disposal in the SELCHP incinerator – said the government had “let us all down”.
Cllr Ian Clement, leader of Bexley council, said: “I am angry with this outrageous decision. It is devastating and bitterly disappointing for the many people who have campaigned with us against the scheme since the original public inquiry in 1992.”
Cllr Clement said his council would be “looking at the minister's decision very carefully to ensure it meets all legal and policy requirements”.
” I believe that the decision to build an incinerator at Belvedere will mean there is less incentive to recycle. “
– Ken Livingstone
He warned developers: “The company may have convinced the Minister, but it still has a massive task to win over the local community, and we will not be taken for granted.” And, he added: “If they don't comply with the minister's requirements we will be down on them like a ton of bricks”.
Mayor
London Mayor Ken Livingstone did not welcome the decision from the DTI over the Belvedere incinerator, stating his belief that it would impact on recycling rates. He said the decision made the case stronger for his taking over of waste disposal and planning responsibilities in London.
Mr Livingstone told letsrecycle.com: “I believe that the decision to build an incinerator at Belvedere will mean there is less incentive to recycle. The decision underlines the need for a London Single Waste Authority and additional stronger Mayoral waste planning powers are necessary.”
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