Harlow MP admits 'concerns' over plans for waste transfer station

RESIDENTS’ fears over proposals to site a new waste transfer station in Harlow have yet to be allayed, it was claimed this week.

Essex County Council has submitted a planning application for the waste plant at the Templefields industrial estate – less than 250 metres away from a housing estate and primary school.

Tany's Dell residents are unhappy with the proposals

If approved, the plant will handle thousands of  tonnes of household and garden waste from Harlow and Epping annually, requiring up to 100 extra collection vehicles to pass through the town every week.

But residents and business owners say they are worried it would devalue their properties and increase the problems of noise, traffic, pollution and vermin in the area.

This week Harlow MP Robert Halfon  said there are still "major questions" that must be answered before the plant can go ahead.

Speaking after meeting with residents and officials to discuss the proposals, Mr Halfon said he was still concerned about the plan.

"Though it is true that the site itself, as it is vacuum sealed, is unlikely to cause smells and pollution, the situation with the numerous trucks transporting the waste is much less clear," he told the Star.

"The problem is that Edinburgh Way is gridlocked as it is. Dozens of lorries a day will be travelling to and from the M11, adding to the already problematic issue of having just one entry and exit into the town.

"Additionally, the site if built, will have an inevitable impact on local businesses and is very close to Tany’s Dell School where children will be subject to the noise of the lorries and possible pollution from diesel."

Insisting there were still major questions to be answered, he added: "I accept there is pressure to put less waste into landfill and to boost recycling, but is this waste transfer site in the right place? That is the question local people are now asking.

"It is vital these issues are addressed before the plans go through."

A county council spokesman said the plans were currently available for viewing on its website where they will remain for three weeks for further consultation to take place.