South London council blocks SUEZ’s plan for AD plant

Sutton Council has blocked plans for an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in the borough's Beddington Lane, reported local media.
The SUEZ-run plant would have seen 100,000 tonnes of food waste processed into fuel from all over London and would all be in close proximity to the local communities of Beddington and Hackbridge in South London.
SUEZ said the plant would have provided enough power for 8,200 homes through food processing.
However, Sutton's planning committee rejected the plant by four votes to three, conflicting with the council's recommendation that it be approved.
The plant was called a 'clear and present danger' by some committee members.
Independents Nick Mattey and Tim Foster noted that several SUEZ AD plants have exploded across the country.
Other concerns included the potential increased HGV traffic along Beddington Lane, which already experiences high volumes throughout the working week.
Councillors also highlighted residents’ concerns that the new plant would attract more vermin to the area.
Labour councillor Dave Tchill said: "Why is it Beddington that gets the brunt of not only Sutton’s waste but also South West London’s waste? The community is often taken advantage of by these large ventures which are encouraged by the council."
Had it been approved, the application would have seen the derelict building at 79-85 Beddington Lane demolished and replaced with a new facility.
The proposal also included a two-storey office, staff parking, new access points for vehicles and HGVs, highway improvements to widen Beddington Lane for a right-turn lane, and parking for refuse collection vehicles.