CALLS are growing for Enfield councllors to unite in opposition to the proposed waste plant in Pinkham Way.

A heated debate on Wednesday evening ended without a consensus on the best way to oppose the North London Waste Authority's plan for a major new waste plant off the North Circular.

The Labour-led council voted through a motion rejecting any new plants in the borough – either at Pinkham Way or an expansion of the Eco-park in Edmonton. But the Conservative opposition refused to back the motion, saying they are opposed to the plans but objected to statements in it about Conservative councillors' actions while in power in 2009.

John Waller, a member of Bounds Green and District Residents Association who was at the meeting, has written to both parties urging them to form a consensus and object together to the proposals.

He said: “It is a common sense thing really, that they vote together in order that Enfield can be properly represented.

“We need the two sides to come together, and it is entirely reasonable that the outcome is one that doesn't burden Enfield with more waste.” Campaigners against the plant fear it will bring added congestion to an already-overloaded A406 and will raise pollution levels in the New Southgate area.

The Labour Bowes ward councillors have submitted their own objections to the Pinkham Way plans to the North London Waste Authority, separate from the Enfield Council resolution agreed last week.

The Tory group have also opposed the North London Waste Plan, calling for the Pinkham Way site to be dropped, but have come under attack for implying the site in Edmonton should be expanded instead.

Conservative MP for Enfield Southgate, David Burrowes, described last week's Full Council as a “missed opportunity” for the borough to unite in opposition.

The deadline for consultation on the North London Waste Plan, which includes the Pinkham Way site as part of the overall strategy, passed on Friday, July 8. Attention will now fall on the planning application submitted to Haringey Council for the plant, which is expected to be considered towards the end of the year.