DOVE

Report on the Public Inquiry into the CPO

The Public Inquiry into the compulsory purchase of land at North Quay Newhaven for the purpose of building an incinerator started on 13 November 2007. It lasted 3 weeks, but then the Inspector adjourned it, as Veolia and ESCC had refused to release details of the waste contract between them, under the terms of the Freedom for Information Act.

The details of the contract were gradually released in December, and the Inspector re-convened the Inquiry on 9 January. It lasted for a further 3 days.

During the Inquiry various members of the ESCC planning department gave details of the proposed incinerator. They were ably cross-examined by various members of DOVE, FoE, Lewes District Council and others. Many questions were unanswered.

Then the objectors – us – were given the opportunity to put our case. Chris Chatwin, who had submitted 10 papers of ‘evidence’, amounting to over 2000 pages in total, presented a very coherent argument against the proposed incinerator.

John Syrad’s evidence explained how the cost of the proposed incinerator had escalated from £71M to over £147M, and with inflation, could exceed the £200m mark, but more importantly that the long term cost of the waste Plan would be £1.6 Billion

Others of us, including DOVE members, FoE, Seaford Town Council, and Lewes District Council, highlighted the many problems associated with an incinerator at Newhaven. Some spoke of the transport implications of the proposal, involving an extra 250 HGVs using the level crossing. Others spoke of the effect that its enormous size would have on views from the town the river bank, and its effect on the landscape, of an incinerator adjacent to the proposed National Park. The negative social and economic impact it would have on Newhaven was highlighted, as was the fact that the site was an area of high flood risk.

Dr Dick van Steenis explained how his research into incinerators showed that downwind of incinerators there were much higher rates of cancers, abnormal birth defects, asthma and other health risks. Others spoke of the minimal monitoring that takes place at such plants.

John Magness, representing Lewes District Council, spoke of the high financial burden the proposal would have on local council-tax payers. He also pointed out that Veolia could be paid twice as much per tonne to incinerate rubbish as to recycle it: hence an incinerator would discourage recycling. Our MP and one MEP submitted documents, but did not attend in person.

The Inquiry closed on Friday 11 January. We now await the Inspector’s report.

Upwards and onwards. DOVE is making a legal challenge to ESCC seeking a Judicial Review of the Planning Application. We are hoping this initiative will be joined by Friends of the Earth and Lewes District Council. ESCC has responded that it will vigorously defend the action, and we need to bolster the funds to meet this defence. Members have been very generous in their response to our last communication, and as we go into battle we would be most grateful for any further donations to swell the fighting fund. We will need £25,000 at least. We are just half way to this target.

Please dig deep ... we don’t want to lose the case for the lack of funds.

Alan Denyer