Opponents set for Waste Inquiry

Pebsham Tip and Ashdown brickworks waste scheme will be key agenda items, following huge negative response from residents.

They feel landfill and incineration at these sites is inappropriate.

The inquiry starts at the White Hart Hotel, Lewes, on May 13 and is expected to run until September.

The timetable sets out which objectors have said they wish to appear and when the inquiry inspector will be hearing their concerns.

This will include a nine-page written submission from Councillor Jean Hopkinson, on behalf of Pebsham residents.

Her constituents have strongly objected to reliance on this method of disposal.

Residents neighbouring both sites pinpointed in the WLP feel the amount of burnable waste does not justify two incinerators.

Representations from Bexhill Against Landfill and Incineration are expected to focus on the lack of space for landfill, proximity of the Ashdown brickworks site to houses, the unsuitability of the access roads, noise and traffic generation.

The main areas of concern that objectors wish to put to the inspector include the sites allocated for waste at Mountfield, Newhaven as well as Ashdown Brickworks and Pebsham.

The inspector, Andrew Newman, will give his conclusion on waste management plans for East Sussex and Brighton and Hove in a report in Summer 2004.

If recommendations for modifications to the plan are made and the council agrees with the need for changes, a further public consultation will take place.

Cllr Tony Reid, county lead cabinet member for transport and environment, said: "I am very pleased that the inquiry is now starting and will be interested to hear what the objectors appearing at the Inquiry have to say to the Inspector.

"I am confident that we have prepared a sound, realistic Plan for managing East Sussex's waste."

The programme for the inquiry has been published on the county council website, www.eastsussexcc.gov.uk