Waste burner: no 'negative impact'

A WASTE burner in the centre of Newhaven would not have a negative impact on its economy, say county council consultants.

A WASTE burner in the centre of Newhaven would not have a negative impact on its economy, say county council consultants.

A study carried out by independent economic consultants DTZ Pieda for East Sussex County Council concluded that an incinerator was unlikely to prevent businesses investing in the area or cause a long term reduction in house prices.

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The report said the proposed site for the burner, North Quay, would benefit from a tidier appearance and improved access would ease congestion when the rail level crossing was closed.

It also highlighted opportunities for new businesses to recycle some of the waste brought to the town.

But Newhaven MP Norman Baker was not impressed. He said: 'That is not the view of Newhaven businesses who have made it known to me and the Newhaven Economic Partnership that they think it will have a serious impact.

'It will undermine the strong efforts to transform Newhaven into a modern centre of industry, combining the Denton Island and West Quay developments and revitalised cross-Channel ferry services, and dispel the run down and dirty image of the past perceived by some.'

'Respected'

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However, the county council's lead cabinet member for transport and environment, Tony Reid, said the report suggested otherwise.

'This study, carried out by a well respected, independent consultancy, makes a considered contribution to the data and information we have available to us which will help us make informed decisions about any future developments of waste facilities in Newhaven.

'This report provides an important insight into the impact that such facilities would have on the town's economy and the evidence suggests that an energy from waste facility (incinerator) at North Quay would not have an adverse impact.'