HARROW'S council depot and dump is on a shortlist of potential locations for a new waste processing plant.

The 2.8-hectare complex in Forward Drive, Harrow, appears alongside Twyford Waste Transfer Station in Abbey Road, Park Royal, and Veolia Transfer Station in Marsh Road, Alperton, among 11 "proposed sites allocated for redevelopment" mentioned in the West London Waste Plan.

However, Harrow Council says Forward Drive it is merely one of three 'contingencies' that will only be considered if new facilities cannot be squeezed onto eight existing waste depot or waste transfer sites. 

Eight other addresses across west London - including Abbey Road, Park Royal, and Brent Rail Sidings, Premier Park Road, Park Royal, both in Brent - were dropped from the list following a 'deliberative assessment' by contractor Mouchel in which Harrow's depot scored highly not least because unlike other sites it remains in single ownership.

A report to Harrow Council's cabinet committee, which meets on Thursday, says: "A total of four objections were received to the proposed council depot site,  three from residents in Cullington Close and one from Harrow Local Agenda 21.

"The representation all raised concerns with proximity and potential for impact on the neighbouring residential area and access issues."

London has to be able to process all of its waste, rather than transfering it outside the capital for treatment, by 2026 and so west London needs an extra 22 hectares of plants to supplement the existing 10 hectares' worth if it is to keep pace with its share of the waste generated.

The other two 'contingency' locations - known officially as  'Proposed new sites with opportunity for developing waste management facilities' - are Yeading Brook, Bulls Bridge, Hillingdon, and  Western International Market in Hounslow.

The cabinet committee will be asked to endorse the plan's pre-consultation draft and put it out to further public consultation.

n What do you think? E-mail chief reporter Ian Proctor at ianproctor@trinitysouth.co.uk