Details of London Concrete’s plans for a concrete factory on Cranford Way (behind Uplands Road and Chettle Court) went to the Planning Committee this week. The application to build the factory was originally rejected by the Committee following a huge campaign by residents (backed by Laura, Ed and I) - but the Government’s planning inspector overuled local councillors at an appeal hearing.
However, the inspector did put 44 conditions on the development (many relating to dust and noise) and on Tuesday the Committee looked at London Concrete’s proposals for meeting these conditions. Some of the detail is good – the conveyor belt and the lorry loading areas will now be fully enclosed, which should reduce some of the noise and dust impact. However, some aspects are inadequate, such as the boundary only being surrounded by a chain fence, which will do nothing to contain dust or noise.
My colleague Cllr Ed Butcher addressed the committee to complain about this and other problems with the proposals. As usual he was very forceful in standing up for residents concerns, but the committee had its hands tied by the inspector and could do little to change the proposals. My only minor success was to get a commitment from council officers to look at the safety of the junction of Cranford Way on to Tottenham Lane, because of concerns about the concrete lorries crossing this busy walking route for local commuters to Hornsey Station. The Committee also pressed the developers to ensure there was a clear phone number for locals to complain to about any problems at the site.
Obviously building a concrete factory in a densely populated area like Stroud Green is insane, and nobody wants to see this go ahead. But despite the lack of democracy in our planning system, Ed, Laura and I are trying to reduce the impact of the development.
July 22nd, 2009 at 12:17 am
Re. the concrete factory, the announcement of the UK planning inspectorate’s overriding approval was delayed back when it was originally supposed to be given. At the very same time that it was due to be published, the John Prescott adultery affair broke news in the press. If I’m not mistaken, John Prescott was head of the UK planning inspectorate at that time. It would not surprise me in the least if it were a personal favour of Prescott to have sanctioned the concrete factory, and to have had the intention to allow it way back, despite the various hearings and opposition. This would go a long way to explaining the concrete company representative’s notably bored, dismissive and arrogant demeanour at the hearings. Prescott has pushed through other monstrous projects despite opposition, including in protected areas of outstanding beauty. I cannot help wondering what was his reward? – certainly not in heaven! Read these quotes for a general idea: 1. John Prescott was criticised yesterday for ignoring residents’ wishes and over-ruling a planning inspector by giving permission for two huge residential tower blocks on the Thames at Chelsea. 2. The National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) and Animal Aid have launched a High Court challenge to the decision by First Secretary of State John Prescott to allow a massive primate research laboratory to be built in the Cambridgeshire green belt. The appeal descibes Prescott’s decision as perverse, unreasonable and unfair. 3. When he granted permission for the (Brighton football) stadium, Mr Prescott took the unusual step of overruling the advice of two planning inspectors who advised that permission should not be given. Say no more!