A MEETING to determine plans for a controversial new incinerator won’t be held in Basildon, raising concerns that resident’s will not have their views heard.
Proposals to build a huge new incinerator, which would “change the face of Basildon”, off Archers Field in Pitsea are set to be decided in December.
The £50million plans would feature two huge chimneys and burn landfill waste from across the county.
However, the decision to either approve or reject the plans will be made in Chelmsford, rather than Basildon, Essex County Council confirmed.
Kerry Smith, former deputy leader, has consistently demanded that the meeting is held in Basildon to give residents the chance to attend.
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He said: “Residents won’t be able to get to Chelmsford. It’s undemocratic. It’s all well and good telling people to watch it virtually, but you can’t contribute virtually.
“I’m expecting, hundreds, if not thousands of people who want to watch it or contribute. It’s terrible, it has to be held in the borough.”
Basildon Council had offered it’s usual council chambers for the meeting, or the larger Sporting Village facilities instead.
Carlo Guglielmi, Essex County Council’s chairman of the development and regulation committee, insisted it would be be practical to whole the meeting in Basildon in a letter to Andrew Baggott, council leader.
He said: “It’s not only impractical but it would set a precedent which would not be easily controlled.
“I would feel very uncomfortable holding a formal meeting elsewhere away from officer support, its infrastructure, and the all important IT assistance now needed to stage meetings.
“You can rest assured that Basildon residents will be able to follow the presentation, debate and the eventual outcome via the ECC’s democratic You Tube channel, and let me also assure you that the committee will determine this application in the usual unbiased and professional manner.
“I hope I have made our position very clear, and you understand the reasons for not holding this meeting away from County Hall.”
Concerns over the incinerator, which would be built by Basildon firm Clearaway, include the amount of sulphur dioxide which would be released.
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