A proposed processing plant for construction waste would pollute green belt land and homes, increase existing traffic problems and threaten a nearby hospice, it has been claimed.
A public consultation is being carried out by Essex County Council into the possibility of opening a new waste recycling depot in Hastingwood, next to junction seven for the M11.
The plan, which is being considered against several others, has met with opposition from North Weald Parish Council and some people living nearby.
Paul Sozzi, who lives in Mill Street in Hastingwood, said more people should be aware of the possible impact of the depot and associated traffic.
“[It] will create dust and noise, and it is next to a McDonald’s, next to houses, wildlife and it is green belt land,” he said.
“If for any reason there is an accident on the motorway, all those lorries, their only way to London will be through Epping.
“We will have these large articulated lorries going through town.”
In a letter to the county council, the parish council claims a calculation has shown “there would be a minimum of eight large lorries entering and exiting the site every hour” to meet demand.
It adds it would be “completely inappropriate” to open the depot next to St Clare Hospice, which provides care and support for people with life threatening and terminal illnesses.
County councillor for North Weald and Nazeing, Anthony Jackson, has also opposed the plan.
“I would be absolutely against this proposal and the activity should be in another place,” he said.
“What is envisaged is an industrial process and should be located on an industrial estate.”
Mr Sozzi said too few people know about the online public consultation running until next Thursday (July 30) because of a lack of publicity from the county council, and he will be raising awareness in Epping High Street on Saturday about the issue.
“The idea is we want to raise awareness in Epping, we feel everybody needs to have their voices heard… there was no way you would know about this consultation going on.
“It is meant to be a public consultation but they are not telling people, it has not been publicised properly.”
Essex County Council have been contacted for comment.
To comment on the plans, visit the consultation website.
North Weald Bassett Parish Council has opposed the plans
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