Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone has welcomed the conclusion of the North London Waste Plan (NWLP) Examination, which effectively puts a stop to the proposed Pinkham Way development.

The inspector found that the submitted NLWP was not legally compliant, and therefore he could not continue any further with the Examination. The decision was based on the fact that there had not been constructive, active and ongoing engagement during the NLWP’s preparation between the North London Councils (including Haringey) and other affected planning authorities.

The issue arose in June 2011, when the North London Waste Authority submitted plans to Labour-run Haringey Council. Despite strong opposition from residents, Liberal Democrat councillors and the Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, the Council did not oppose the NLWP and Pinkham Way development.

The conclusions of the Examination mean that the Council can now either recommend non-adoption of the NLWP and Pinkham Way development, or withdraw the plan and start again from scratch.

Commenting on the examination, Lynne Featherstone said:

“I warmly welcome the conclusions of the Examination. For well over a year now, the Pinkham Way Alliance, together with Liberal Democrat Councillors and myself, have been standing up for residents and campaigning against the Pinkham Way development. It has been a tough fight, especially with the Labour-run Council failing to implement a proper consultation, and their refusal to oppose the North London Waste Plan.

“The Council’s carelessness throughout the application has wasted time and money, and has caused an unnecessary amount of stress and concern among residents.

“I am so very glad that the inspector has recognised the incompetence of the Council, and therefore decided not to continue with this examination. I hope that now, finally, the Council will do the right thing and recommend non-adoption of the plan – as they should have done from first instance last year.”