Concept images of the proposed new incinerator (credit: Cory Riverside Energy)
The Government and the Planning Inspectorate approved the development at the start of the year, despite warnings it could harm the surrounding environment, including in Rainham and South Hornchurch which is the other side of the Thames.
The incinerator was planned to increase the capacity to dispose of and treat more of London’s waste.
“Every report that’s looked into this has said it will be bad for air quality, human health and biodiversity if approved,” said Dagenham and Rainham MP, Jon Cruddas. “The Tory Secretary of State then approved it [despite] having seen all of this evidence.
“In South Hornchurch there are currently plans in the Beam Park estate to build 3,000 homes. All of those people who are buying those homes don’t realise they are going to living straight across the river from an incinerator and the wind is going to be blowing what it emits straight across to them.”
Mr Cruddas has worked with the MP for Erith and Thamesmead, the constituency in which the incinerator is planned for, in calling for a judicial review.
This week, they received word from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, that the High Court has given permission for the review to be held.
A substantive hearing will be held in October.
Mr Cruddas added: “How the Tories thought they could get away with this I do not know, pushing through plans which will seriously reduce air quality for thousands of people at a time when we are facing a respiratory crisis beggars belief.
“This latest news is a real win for local people who have fought alongside me since the beginning, but the fight isn’t over yet.”
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Tags: Havering, Dagenham, Rainham, South Hornchurch