Decision date has been put back again

Residents in Harlesden fighting plans for an incinerator have stepped up their fight to stop it, despite another delay to the scheme.

The controversial planning application for a four chimney “energy recovery centre” at Willesden Junction was due to be discussed and voted on this month after a string of delays.

However, it has been put off again due to discussions between the applicants, Clean Power Properties and the governments high speed rail line Hs2, who also want to use the site in Channel Gate Road.

The plans have attracted widespread criticism from both residents and Brent Council who fear residents face a “double threat” of an increase in traffic and contaminated air.

On Saturday, residents and council members gathered outside Harlesden’s iconic Jubilee Clock to raise awareness of the plans again and sign a petition condemning the proposal.

Labour Cllr Zaffar Van Kalwala said further delays were “causing more distress and uncertainty”. He said: “It’s wrong to have this type of development in such a highly populated area.”

John Cox, a Harlesden resident, said: “The Willesden Junction site means that Harlesden will get lots of waste trucks and dustcarts.”

The final decision will be made by Ealing Council due to the proposed location. Cllr Van Kalwala said: “I urge Ealing council once again to abandon this scheme and to consider alternative proposals which do not blight our community.”

A spokesman for Ealing Council said the earliest date a decision would be taken was April 3. He added: “Discussions between HS2 and the applicant are still on-going, and we have not yet received information about the amount of land HS2 Ltd requires for the project.

“In the meantime, the council’s planning team are making further enquiries to the environment agency about the methods that would be put in place to maintain and monitor appropriate air quality at and around the site.”