Campaigners express air pollution concerns over proposed scrap metal yard

Campaigners warn that Southwark Metals’ plans to relocate will expose thousands of children to harmful levels of air pollution. 

If successful in its planning application, Southwark Metals plan to develop a new scrap metal sorting yard at Windsor Grove, a small cul de sac located in a residential area in West Norwood. There are two schools adjoining the site at Windsor Grove and another five within a half-mile radius.

The proposal would mean the transportation of 25,000 tonnes of scrap metal per year.

According to the grassroots organisation #ScrapTheYard, if Southwark Metals relocate this would add a quarter of a million extra vehicles miles to the roads each year and would put 3,500 schoolchildren at risk.

Most of the daily site traffic will come via three main routes:

• Kennington / Brixton / Streatham (A23) – an Air Quality Focus zone
• Camberwell / Herne Hill / Tulse Hill or Croxted Road
  Peckham / East Dulwich / South Circular

Last Thursday Labour MP Helen Hayes attended the #ScrapTheYard protest and addressed the residents, parents and school children.

Rob Andrew of Norwood Action Group says: ‘In the face of fierce local opposition, this year‑old application that Lambeth was set to refuse last August has been scaled down.

‘Southwark Metals hope to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat by now saying daily vehicle movements would ‘only’ be about 150, and annual tonnage ‘only’ 25,000. This looks like it could win Lambeth over. We need your help, please object to Lambeth Council.

‘If you were one of the 1,464 people who made an objection to Lambeth in the earlier round, it’s vital you do so again. Make clear that the lower figures are still an outrageous proposal. The plan impacts the entire borough, dragging most of the scrap carriers through the whole length of Lambeth. Everything about this planning application is plainly wrong.’

Photo Credit – Supplied