MP backs fight against recycling plant
Residents gearing up to campaign once more
MP JOHN McDonnell has pledged his support to residents in fighting against a waste recycling plant planning application in West Drayton.
The Hayes and Harlington MP and shadow chancellor has written to Hillingdon Council, ‘strongly urging’ them to reject Powerday’s application to transform the old coal depot site in Tavistock Road.
Powerday Plc submitted a planning application to demolish the existing Old Coal Depot buildings and construct a materials recovery facility (MRF), despite a promise in early 2015 not to develop the site and after a five-year battle with residents.
The site, which will incorporate a recovery and recycling building, storage bays and associated car parking, landscaping, fencing and infrastructure, will recover recyclable materials such as plastics, cardboard and glass from businesses and households.
But the site was previously rejected by Hillingdon Council after a 4,000-strong petition and active residents are gearing up to campaign again.
John McDonnell wrote to the council to object to the first application and put his backing of campaign against the site into writing again.
He believes the town centre is not equipped to deal with large volumes of HGVs, is concerned for increased traffic and worries for residents being exposed to fumes.
He wrote: “I share residents’ concerns that the access point will be opposite West Drayton bus and train station.
“Not only will this cause chaos on the High Street and surrounding roads, but buses and passengers alike will have to negotiate with huge lorries that will be trying to access the plant.
“This proposed development is in the heart of a densely populated area.
“I believe that such a development will have a detrimental impact for those working and living in the beyond.
“This proposed development does not provide any benefits for the local community and will undoubtedly affect the residents’ quality of life as they will be exposed to noise, light and air pollution, as well as an increase in traffic 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Mr McDonnell also asks that the council consults as widely as possible on the application as it will have an impact on the wider area.
The Hayes and Harlington MP said: “After an overwhelmingly negative response to the first planning application by Powerday, which included a petition signed by more than 3,000 people, it’s frustrating that we’re now having to reject a second bid.
“I share the concern of local residents who say that our local area is already heavily congested and that this development would worsen the traffic problems and result in
vicinity
and more air pollution and noise.
“I believe that such a development will have a detrimental impact for those working and living in our area and that Powerday need to accept the wishes of our local community.”
Residents were previously lobbying MPs to put their support into writing, after support from councillors and the local assembly member.
Boris Johnson, MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, was contacted but has not commented on the application.
Jan Sweeting, councillor for West Drayton, is hoping for more information from Powerday in the coming weeks.
She said: “The GLA are currently asking for more information.
“Once we have a date for the committee meeting we’d like as many people from Yiewsley and West Drayton to attend and have an opportunity to be there when the council makes the decision.”