Councillor Sandra Dunn speaks out against the Windmill Road Asbestos Waste Transfer Station
Counillor Sandra Dunn has opposed the siting of an Asbestos Waste Transfer Station at Windmill Road in Sunbury since it was first suggested. Below is the text of the speech she gave to the Surrey County Council Planning Committee against the proposed development.
Surrey County Planning Meeting:
Wednesday, 6th February -
Land at 111 Windmill Road, Sunbury.
Asbestos Waste Transfer Station - Ref: SP/01265
Firstly I would like to thank the Chair for allowing me to address the Planning Committee today and to introduce myself. I am Councillor Sandra Dunn from the Halliford and Sunbury West Ward of Spelthorne Borough Council and as this application borders three wards I am speaking on behalf of the residents of the three wards. I would also add that local residents have signed a petition which you should also have in your possession.
The proposal in front of you fails on two key criteria namely the risk to public health and the location of the facility.
Asbestos waste IS a matter of public health concern and rightly so given that exposure can lead to well documented respiratory illnesses.
The location of the facility is simply not suitable as there are residential properties close-by and numerous businesses that are present in this area. Across the M3 motorway there are six schools ranging from primary to senior school and I would argue that human health is too precious for such hazardous waste activities to take place in Windmill Road at this site.
Hazardous waste, such as asbestos, is subject to stringent rules and regulations. However, it is the risk of accidents and the resulting release of material into our atmosphere that is causing concern amongst local residents and employers. Asbestos, alongside Radiation, Dioxins and PCBS from incinerators is one of the most dangerous substances that can affect the public's health.
What is Asbestos? It is a mineral mined in many parts of the world. Its uses are reinforcement for thin walled concrete, for example, corrugated roofs, water tanks, and partition walls. It was originally used for lagging around boilers and pipes but today has to be removed by a specialist company.
Why is it so dangerous? It is due to its fibrous nature as it can stay airborne and if inhaled can hook itself to the lining of the lungs and cannot be cleared by the bodies cleaning process. The effects of this can be felt 30-40 years later in the form of a cancer which in most cases is terminal.
Who is affected? Plumbers, Electricians, garage mechanics and members of the public who have had a casual expose and may not know such as the actor, Steve McQueen, who as a young man in the Navy worked in the boiler room when repairs were made to the lagging.
In 2008 Hull City Council faced with a similar asbestos waste transfer application refused permission on the grounds that the proposed waste transfer station was in close proximity to houses and that as such would not be compatible with the area and be to the detriment of the amenity of residential occupiers.
It is clear that despite all the safeguards a great risk is present and the amenity of residents and businesses would be compromised by such a facility along with 1,000's of school children.
This planning application is flawed as it is within 100 yards of 300 residential properties and ½ mile from several schools and to minimise any accidental spillage etc. this transfer station should be sited in a remote location away from the public especially children.
As Councillors we have a duty to protect our citizens so I urge this committee to reject this application on the grounds of public safety.
Thank you for your time.
Councillor Sandra Dunn
Halliford & Sunbury West Ward