After numerous letters, emails and meetings with local residents and businesses about the proposed Waste Transfer Station off Edinburgh Way, I arranged a meeting for all concerned parties on Friday with Cllr. Kevin Bentley, Cabinet Member for the Environment, and relevant officials.  Amongst the attendees included the Head Teacher of Tanys Dell School, nearby residents and local businesses.

Whilst I appreciated the efforts made by Cllr Bentley to listen fairly to the objections of residents, I remain concerned about the proposals.  It is true that the site itself, as it is vacuum sealed, is unlikely to cause smells and pollution. But the situation with the numerous trucks transporting the waste, is much less clear.

First ; People are asking questions about the impact on traffic: it is unclear how many lorries will be travelling from Epping to Harlow, to transfer their waste here. Essex Council promised to provide us with this information, before the planning application was made. The problem is that Edinburgh Way is gridlocked as it is - traffic in  Harlow is often at a standstill. Dozens of lorries a day will be travelling to and from the M11, adding to the already problematic issue of having just one entry and exit into the Town. This will only add to our traffic burden. Essex Council have promised a traffic impact assessment - which is an absolute necessity.

Second ; the proposed site is very close to Tanys Dell School.  Children will be subject to the noise of the lorries, and possible pollution from diesel.  The School - despite being within the 250 metre limit - was not properly consulted about the plans. Nearby residents have also expressed real worries about the impact on diesel fumes and the noise of the trucks.
 
Third ; The Site, if built, will have an inevitable impact on local businesses. It is likely that some of the businesses around the area will want to relocate, not just because of the noise of the lorries and constant traffic, but also because there is very little room in which they will be able to operate and park their cars. This was something made clear by the local businesses who attended the meeting. In essence, there is a risk that the Site will act as a reverse magnet for businesses in the area, adding to our already difficult economic situation.

So as it stands, there are major questions to be answered. I accept the pressure to put less waste into landfill, and to boost recycling. But is this Waste Transfer Site in the right place? That is the question local people are now asking.

It is vital that these issues are addressed, before the plans go through.