Concerns made over proposal by Ealing Council

Brent Council has objected to a proposed giant incinerator in Harlesden and have told the authority deciding whether to green light the scheme that it has “significant concerns” over the plans.

Ealing Council will decide later this month whether to approve a planning application for an “energy recovery centre”, in the industrial park at Willesden Junction.

It would consist of four 25-metre chimneys spouting out burnt waste and two large tanks for decomposing food.

In a letter written to Ealing Council from Brent’s planning department – seen by the Times – they say odours, noise and pollution emanating from the development could all cause problems, also expressing concerns over an increase in traffic.

It says: “If Ealing go forward with presenting the proposal Brent will object strongly until satisfactory information has been provided to enable an accurate assessment of the implications.”

In a further twist it was also revealed that the company responsible for the application, Clean Power Properties, is registered in tax haven the Isle of Man, sparking fears over their moral standing.

Cllr Zaffar Van Kalwala, a Stonebridge ward councillor, where many residents will be affected, said: “This is definitely a step in the right direction. Brent Council has listened and taken on board the concerns of local residents.

“Ealing should do the same and reject the plans. Residents do not want this development near their homes and a local primary school.

“Its clear the proposed waste facility will cause traffic congestion and pollute our local environment.”

He added: “It is also concerning that the company submitting these plans is registered in a tax haven.

“As a Labour councillor I want to see companies paying their taxes, a living wage and properly contributing to our community.”

An Ealing Council spokesman said: “All waste processing developments must abide by environmental licensing conditions, which control the impact of factors such as noise and environmental pollution on the local area.”