LETTER: Threat posed by incinerator

I’m referring to the plan to build an enormous mass-burn incinerator on our doorstep. The plan is for the incinerator to deal with commercial and industrial waste, not just from our local area, but from all over the country. It would sit just to the north of Horsham, close to the landfill site that has created something of a mountain on the skyline north of Horsham town.

Britaniacrest, who are the instigators of this plan, will no doubt seek to assure local residents that everything about this incinerator, which will form part of a recycling, recovery and renewable energy facility, will be just fine and there will be no adverse effects on the health of people living in the area. I, for one, am not reassured on this point.

A series of studies into the potential impact on human health of incinerating waste has been going on for years and findings were originally expected back in 2014. However, conclusions have been delayed and we still don’t know the outcome of these studies. The Department of Health has recently stated that the studies are now expected to be completed in the spring of next year.

In the meantime, Britaniacrest will press ahead with their plans for an incinerator, despite the lack of information about how this might affect the health and wellbeing of people living in the vicinity.

Not only should people be concerned about health-damaging particulates being emitted from the incinerator’s chimney, which would be some 95 metres tall (imagine the visual impact that would have on the surrounding countryside) but also there must be concerns about extra traffic congestion and air pollution from the HGVs going to and from the site to feed this monster. Also, where are the mountains of waste to be safely stored whilst awaiting processing?

I wonder if Liberty Property Trust knew about this damaging plan when they put forward their own plans for 2,750 residences adjacent the site. The prevailing westerly air flow will mean emissions from the incinerator will flow towards the new homes due to be constructed on the north of Horsham development. And right in the firing line, so to speak, will be the planned primary school.

Just one other thought: The massive incinerator and its accompanying giant chimney will no doubt have to be lit up at night to ensure the safety of planes going to and from Gatwick. So local residents will have to endure light pollution as well as air pollution if this ill-conceived plan goes ahead.

Anyone who wants to find out more might like to take a look at this website: http://www.facebook.com/noincinerator4horsham

Sheila White

Dorking Road, Warnham

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