§ Mr. Roger Moate (Faversham)I wish to present a petition from the Queenborough action group and residents of Queenborough and Rushenden on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. The petition is led by Mr. Robert Eatwell and is signed by more than 800 residents of Queenborough and Rushenden. The matter is of great local importance, but it should also be of great concern to all hon. Members and the Government, and it has my support.
The petition relates to a major proposal that a redundant glassworks should be used for processing toxic waste. The petition reasonably urges that such a change requires a proper environmental impact assessment and planning authority. I support that approach, as does Swale borough council, the planning authority. The petition sheweth:
That whereas authorisation … given by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution to VERT Ltd. prejudices the processes of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 by permitting VERT Ltd. to process toxic waste by vitrification in a redundant glassworks in the middle of the small town of Queenborough and whereas the planning authority Swale Borough Council consider that that change of use planning permission is required VERT Ltd. intend to proceed with their process in flagrant disregard of the health and safety of nearby residents and have failed to consider the environmental impact assessment required by the Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988.Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your honourable House will examine the procedures linking the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and demand that the Government take urgent action to protect the residents of Queenborough, Rushenden and surrounding districts from a considerable loss of amenity and a serious threat to their health. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray etc.
§ To lie upon the Table.