|
 |
Previous story(News Browser) Next story
Comment on this story
Bexley Council has stepped up its campaign to halt plans for Europe’s largest waste incinerator on the Thames at Belvedere.
Its new administration has decided to apply for a judicial review of the decision of the Energy Minister to approve the scheme and it has appointed legal experts to take the case forward.
“I have promised that this administration would stand up for the residents of Bexley against this disastrous decision by the Government and that is what we are going to do,” says Cllr Ian Clement, the Leader of Bexley Council. “We are committed to using all the powers available to us to protect the interests of Bexley residents. We now have to put our faith and trust in British Justice and let the Courts decide.”
Cllr Clement indicated that the Council is actively working with the Mayor of London to see if they can agree a joint approach to the legal action.
“The Mayor wants to help us with the costs of the legal action,” said Cllr Clement. “We are now looking at the details, so we can go forward as one.”
The Minister’s decision has met with strong opposition from local residents. A petition signed by opponents of the plant is to be presented to 10 Downing Street on 20 July.
Local Labour MP, John Austin has welcomed the decision of Bexley Council to seek a Judicial Review of the Government’s decision to give planning approval for a waste incinerator in Belvedere. John Austin said: “I am very pleased that the Council has taken up my suggestion to seek a Judicial Review. It is a long-shot but is probably the only avenue now open to us.”
John Austin had also written to the Mayor of London on 26 June seeking his support for a legal challenge. John Austin added: “I have spoken subsequently to Ken. He was taking legal advice and I very much hope that he will join with Bexley Council in mounting this challenge”.
John Austin said: “The government issued a consultation document earlier this year on the Review of England’s Waste Strategy. The consultation ended on May 9th but the government has not yet announced the outcome. It was clearly not reasonable for the Energy Minister to have made such a crucial decision to build the country’s largest waste incinerator before the government had determined its Waste Strategy. Nor was it reasonable for the Minister to ignore the ‘proximity principle’, namely that waste should be dealt with close to its source. This incinerator is being planned to deal with west London’s waste not ours”.
John Austin has also tabled a motion in Parliament which has attracted support from MPs of all parties.
|
|
