We need public meeting on new Eco park

Written by Shas Sheehan, Wimbledon Parliamentary Campaigner and published in Wimbledon Guardian on Thu 20th Nov 2008

"It is probably a good idea to start off with a bit of personal background as it is relevant. I have a Masters degree in Environmental Technology, which by no means makes me an expert in anaerobic digestion but it does give me an appreciation of the general field of waste management. The importance of anaerobic digestion in dealing with the methane ( more than 20x more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas ) given off by decaying organic matter in land fill sites is undeniable, and in my view certainly preferable to incineration.

That said, I am nevertheless concerned about a number of issues surrounding the planned development 'Rainbow Eco-Park' in Raynes Park, and I will take these one at a time:

Flawed Consultation

The plans to consult residents, as presented to me at the exhibition in Raynes Park library, seemed to comprise of a (very) limited number of leaflets distributed to residents, and a further library exhibition. This was accompanied by an assurance from the developers, Workspace Glebe, that they had been in contact with the council and all relevant bodies such as the Environment Agency, and that they would have planning permission to go ahead with the development before Christmas.

Planning Issues

Residents need reassurance, in a public forum, of issues such as traffic (via the sole, very restricted access point), noise, smell, the peaceful enjoyment of their home, visual impact of a 17m high cylinder with a flue on top, and access for construction traffic.

The Environmental benefits

Anaerobic digestion together with an energy generation plant is undoubtedly good for the environment, however it is disappointing that other sustainable options do not feature. For example, a green roof/or solar pv on roofs, semi-permeable landscaping to facilitate absorption of rainwater and reduce run off, the destination of recyclates and the digestate, and last but I am sure not least, local sourcing of waste as advocated in the Mayor's London Plan. In addition to the foregoing, there remains the unresolved issue of what to do with the excess hot water that will be generated.

The Visual Environment

The site currently owned and managed by Workspace Glebe, the developers of the proposed plans, is an eyesore, with piled up rubbish, detritus, rodents and razor wire - a bleak and unedifying sight. What assurances do we have that the new development will be better managed and landscaped to be more pleasant to the eye?

Health and Safety Issues

Residents have raised the issue of the safety of methane on the site, as well as concerns about the increase in the population of rats.

Engaging with the Local Community

In summary, taking account of the large number of questions that remain to be addressed, and in the interests of a open, full and transparent process, it's important that a public meeting is called. Workspace Glebe insist that this would serve little purpose. If they refuse to engage with us at this stage of the proposal, what chance would we have of their cooperation should issues arise after the event? A public meeting is the proper first step; at this initial stage meetings behind closed doors are not appropriate.

The Integrity of Green Policies

It is my firm belief that in order to be successful, green policies have to be seen to be fair; green taxation has to be tax neutral, and 'green' developments must prove that they are sincere and not using a green wash to push through very profitable schemes through the planning process. If not, the public will become cynical of future schemes. Let us not forget how bio-fuels, taken over by powerful farming lobbies, quickly became a pariah for environmentalists.

Almost 200 people have signed my petition asking for a public meeting. In the interest of democratic involvement in the planning process and the integrity of green developments, I ask the developers, the council and elected representatives to join residents and interested environmental groups, such as Sustainable Merton, onto a public platform to address the genuine concerns of residents, openly and transparently."

Related Link:

Public Meeting on the Eco Park plans.