Barnet told to step up against waste site

Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden Andrew Dismore has written to the leader of Barnet Council Cllr Richard Cornelius with a series of questions about the P.B Donoghue waste disposal site in Cricklewood and associated facilities. The controversial site is blamed by local residents for being a source of pollution and poor air quality, with dirty and dusty delivery lorries clogging up local roads.

 

Residents had initially complained to the Environment Agency (EA) to investigate whether the tonnage of waste being brought to the site for processing was within the permitted limits. An investigation by the EA found that although Donoghue had occasionally exceeded daily permitted limits, it had not exceeded quarterly or annual limits.

 

At a meeting in Hendon Town Hall on Monday 4th September attended by Councillors, residents and EA officers, the officers disclosed that Donoghue’s had a “Part B” permit which exempts various types of wastes from the tonnage figures that are legally enforced and monitored. They were allowed 500 tonnes per week of waste for wood alone and they would advise the tonnage for other materials such as bottles and plastics. The “Part B” permit is issued by Barnet Council.

 

Mr Dismore said:

 

‘The Council have been blaming the Environment Agency for not looking into the over use of the Claremont Road site. But it now turns out that Donoghue are using a loophole with their part B exemption, which is granted by Barnet Council. I have written to the Leader of the Council and Chief Executive with a series of questions which I hope will clarify the position.’

 

‘It is time the Council stopped dragging its feet and actually did something for once. They need to work out what is in that permit and enforce it properly. If Donoghue are able to operate extremely loud and polluting machinery through this permission then residents will justifiably feel let down.’

 

ENDS

 

A copy of the letter is below:

 

Dear Cllr Cornelius and Mr Hooton,

Re: PB Donoghue’s Waste management site in Cricklewood

A number of residents have raised with me concerns about the way Barnet Council have been handling the case of PB Donoghue’s waste management site on Claremont Road in Cricklewood. I have a number of questions I would be grateful if you could answer point by point:

 

Barnet Council permission of a Part B licence (for concrete, brick and tile crushing)

 

  1. When was this granted?
  2. What notice of the application for the licence was given to the public?
  3. Who made the decision: if officer, was it referred to member, if so who?
  4. How long is the licence for?
  5. What is permitted in terms of materials and weights/quantities/ vehicle movements?
  6. Please supply a copy of it
  7. What enforcement action is being taken to ensure compliance with the licence?

 

The Dixon’s site Planning application reference: 17/4864/FUL (owned by LBB): I understand this site was used by Donoghues without planning permission, and prior to the refusal decision on application.

 

  1. Who agreed to its use without permission?
  2. How much did they pay?
  3. Has that use now ceased?
  4. If not, what is happening re enforcement, both under planning and under the lease/licence?

 

Units 18/25 Claremont Way Industrial Estate. I believe this is owned by Barnet Council and managed directly by the Council, after demise of former tenant RBS who sublet it to Donoghues.

 

  1. Are Donoghues using the site and if so for what?
  2. Is this lawful use?
  3. Have they planning consent for this use?
  4. Is there a lease or licence to Donoghues for the site?
  5. If so who agreed it? officer? member approval?
  6. How long is it for?

 

Answers to these questions will be greatly beneficial to residents understanding of this case, where it is at and whom is responsible for what. It will also help to establish the best way of dealing with the problems the site creates, or will at least let residents know what options are available to them.

 

I would appreciate it if you could prioritise this and provide me with answers as soon as possible.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Andrew Dismore AM

Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden

 

 

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