CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed the move to put plans on hold for a huge new waste plant in New Southgate.

Haringey Council announced on Monday that the submission of proposals to build the site at Pinkham Way would not happen until an independent planning inspector had looked at more details.

This means the North London Waste Authority – which wants to build what would be Europe's largest waste facility, dealing with about 300,000 tonnes of waste – will now submit its proposals after the inspector reports in April next year.

Campaigners have protested outside Haringey, Enfield and Barnet Councils in recent months against the idea, arguing the plant would bring heavy traffic to an already gridlocked A406 and affect air quality.

Pinkham Way Alliance chairman Bidesh Sarkar said: “Thanks to the support of people, we have managed to stop any attempt to even look at these plans before the matter of the North London Waste Plan is properly resolved.

“Pinkham Way should never have been included in any shortlist, let alone chosen for a 300,000 tonne a year waste factory that will be working 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“This delay is a small victory, but it is important everyone realises this is not the end of the story. We fully expect the North London Waste Authority to re-submit its plans, probably next year. When it does, we will be even stronger and we will be ready to fight them.”

Under the current plans, Pinkham Way would deal with waste from seven boroughs across north London, and be home to a fleet of waste trucks from Barnet Council.

Councillor Alan Strickland, Haringey Council's cabinet member for planning, said the council would hold a thorough consultation once the planning application had been lodged.

He said: “We’re determined to ensure we have a fair, open and transparent process based on good quality information.

“We’ll run an extended consultation with exhibitions and public forums in Haringey, Enfield and Barnet to make sure everyone is fully informed.

“I’ll be working closely with all councillors to make sure residents are kept up-to-date with what's being proposed and I will ensure that all voices are heard.”