Calls for detailed environmental studies of the impact of planned major waste management sites on Sandon, Rivenhall, and other parts of the county were rejected at Tuesday's meeting of Essex County Council.

The Conservative controlled council rejected a Labour move for environmental impact assessments on six waste management sites identified in the county's waste local plan which was adopted in 2001.

Sandon, Rivenhall, and North Weald were among the sites identified as major disposal areas. There has been talk of possible incinerators and anaerobic digesters.

Labour councillor Paul Kirkman told the council: "There is no clear precise definition of what the impact on local communities will be. People should know what is going to happen to them. We need to make sure this whole process is transparent."

Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Gale said: "It seems certain we will be building significant waste facilities in Essex in the near future. We should seek to minimise public distress and concern."

Published Friday July 16, 2004

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