| David Lammy's Update on London Concrete's Planning Application for a Concrete Batching Plant. |
| Tuesday, 25 October 2005 |
Concrete Batching Plant Update.
Following my recent survey of Harringay Ward on the subject of the proposed Concrete Batching Plant at Ferme Park Depot in Cranford Way. I wanted to provide an update on the campaign to oppose the London Concrete Factory.
Firstly let me thank all of those that have replied to my recent letter on the Concrete Plant and to those who took the time to fill in my Harringay Survey. People's views on the proposed Concrete Batching Plant and the many other important issues that residents highlighted are a vital part of the dialogue between you and me as your Member of Parliament. I read those replies with interest and look forward to keeping residents updated on the fight against the Concrete Plant as well as the other issues identified.
Secondly, on the subject of the proposed Concrete Batching Plant in Cranford Way, I have received over two hundred and fifty responses so far to my survey, as well as countless letters on the subject. All of which have been opposed to the ill judged plans of London Concrete. The strength of local opposition in Harringay is all too clear to me, and all responses I received before Monday 10th October were passed onto the Planning Applications Sub-Committee for consideration. These joined the numerous petitions and thousands of names that I, local councillors, residents and Green N8 have been collecting over the past year.
Since last year, when the plans for the Concrete Plant first became known to me, I have been very concerned about the impact on residents in Harringay Ward. This became even more pressing after London Concrete reoriented their plans to face the East and Harringay, after receiving objections from the West of the Borough. With your support, I have been lobbying Haringey Council and emphasizing the depth of local people’s concerns. I am delighted to say that we – and you – have been listened to.
I think that the decision of the Planning Applications Sub-Committee on Monday 10th October to refuse planning permission to London Concrete’s application is fantastic news. Furthermore, it was great to see so many residents, councillors and other representatives present at the meeting - making sure that the strength of community feeling was not only made abundantly clear, but illustrating that it was united across the political spectrum. It is important to recognise that only by remaining united as a community can we successfully defeat London Concrete’s plans.
I hope the considerable local pressure not only had an effect on the decision by the Planning Application Sub-Committee to reject the application, but will also cause London Concrete to question the viability of their plans. We have won this battle with London Concrete, but it is, sadly, unlikely to be the last. In both the East and West of the Borough of Haringey, I know that the community and their representatives realise that this victory is only the beginning of the fight to oppose the Plant.
London Concrete has already submitted an appeal to a previously rejected planning application for the same site, and it is due to be heard, alongside the latest appeal on December 13th by the Planning Inspector. As we look to the future of our campaign it should not be forgotten that a successful campaign against any planning decision can only be won by using planning law and identifying areas where a given development fails on legal planning grounds. Haringey Council’s rejection of London Concrete’s Plans will be central to our case, and I understand they are seeking the best possible scientific, environmental, planning and legal advice to fight London Concrete’s appeal.
That Haringey Council inevitably has an official role to play does not mean that we as a community do not need to keep the pressure up on London Concrete. We need to ensure that they know the strength of our feelings on this issue, and that the community will fight to make sure this plant is not given planning permission on appeal.
I want to work with the Haringey Council and the community in presenting the best possible case as we move towards the appeal stage of the process. But I also urge the community in Harringay and beyond, to get involved by writing to London Concrete and the Planning Inspector (the details of which can be found below), making your feelings known.
London Concrete:
Derek Casey
Managing Director
London Concrete Ltd
London House
77 Boston Manor Road
Brentford
TW8 9JQ
The Planning Inspector:
Stephen Lansdown
Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol BS1 6PN
Using the Appeal Ref No: APP/Y5420/A05/1189822
I will be continuing to gather signatures and taking part in the local campaign to oppose this inappropriate development and will work hard with all concerned with opposing London Concrete. I will be posting updates on my website as the campaign develops to keep residents informed of new developments and on how you can help in the campaign, to make sure that London Concrete’s Plans are rejected by the Planning Inspector, so that no Concrete Batching Plant is built in our area.
Once again, thank you to all those who have supported me and the many other activists involved in the campaign. If you are interested in taking part in my survey it is not too late. Please follow the link below and print out the form and return it to my office.
Click here to print off a copy of my Harringay Survey
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