Concrete factory inquiry begins

nlnews@archant.co.uk
14 December 2005

Gathering to make their views heard at the inquiry were (left to right) Councillor Gina Adamou, Councillor Takki Sulaiman, MP David Lammy, MP Lynne Featherstone, Councillor Laura Edge, Councillor Pete

THE "David and Goliath" fight over proposals by London Concrete to build a batching plant in the heart of Hornsey resumed on Tuesday morning.

MPs, councillors, campaigners and residents thronged to Haringey Civic Centre to put on a united front against the industrial giant - hoping a public inquiry will uphold the planning committee's original decision to reject the plan.

Lynne Featherstone (Liberal Democrat), MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, said: "It's David and Goliath. This will be a victory for people power. No one should consider a concrete factory in this residential area for even a second. Let's hope the inspector listens to our arguments and finds in our favour."

David Lammy (Labour), MP for Tottenham, said: "This is a campaign that has galvanised both sides of the borough - Hornsey and Crouch End and those on the Haringey Ladder and St Ann's.

"It has united the political parties; it has brought together all ages and all residents in a campaign to oppose the concrete factory." Mr Lammy added: "We have to convince them that the initial decision made by Haringey Council was the right one and that the grounds on which they said 'no' was absolutely correct and that all of the people in the streets are right when they say no because of pollution, no because it will affect jobs and no because it will affect our way of life."

Both MPs signed up to speak during the inquiry and hope to be allowed to do so on Friday morning. Numerous residents are also hoping to make themselves heard along with environmental group Green N8.

Teams of lawyers from London Concrete and Haringey Council outlined the points they will be raising during the inspection over the coming weeks.

Russell Harris QC, representing London Concrete along with six other experts, argued the proposals were exactly in accordance "with all levels of relevant planning policy".

He said: "The proposal before the inquiry is an example of exactly what is needed if this country's commitment to sustainability is to be described as serious."

James Maurici, representing Haringey Council, reiterated their concerns about potential disturbances for nearby residents, additional traffic being detrimental to working conditions and noise.

Planning inspector, John Woolcock, agreed to hear objections from MPs, councillors, residents, campaign groups - and made clear that he saw the main issues as the effect the proposal could have on the environment, local residents and local businesses.

Mr Woolcock said: "The main issue appears to be the effect on land use and living conditions of neighbouring residents.