An environmentalist claims a new energy generation facility would turn Belvedere into a "dumping ground"

Cyclamax is proposing to build the facility at Burts Wharf Resource Park, off Crabtree Manorway North, creating more than 40 jobs.

It would recycle commercial and industrial waste, which would produce low carbon renewable energy using gasification technology.

Belvedere ward councillor, Sean Newman, said: "What people's problem will be is if the refuse comes through the road network and if there are emissions and smells.

"The residents of Belvedere have had a history of bad smells and emissions, we don't want to add to that problem.

"I'm massively in favour of green technology and bringing more jobs to Belvedere. If we can do that but without risking the well-being and quality of lives of residents, then I'm in favour."

Bexley Friends of the Earth spokesman, Tim Wates, is against the proposals and says the area is already a "dumping ground".

An incinerator, in Norman Road, Belvedere, is 1.5 miles away from Burt Wharf while Crossness Sewage Treatment Works, in Belvedere Road, Abbey Wood, is 3.7 miles away.

Mr Wates said: "Gasification is not the answer to the need for sustainable energy and neither is it good on a local level.

"Yet again this part of London and it's wildlife is being saddled with a controversial, industrial-sized development that a more affluent and influential residential area would not tolerate."

Gasification

Gasification is a process which uses heat and reduced levels of air to convert materials such as wood, plastics and food into a synthetic gas made up of carbon monoxide, methane and hydrogen.

This gas is then combusted as a fuel and energy is recovered using a boiler and steam turbine.

For information about the project and to comment in the consultation, call 0800 298 7040, email feedback@consultation-online.co.uk or visit consultation-online.co.uk/burtswharf

Energy generation facility

- Waste would be accepted at the site six days a week while the facility would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

- The building would be 245,000sqft - the size of around five and a half football pitches (double checking this) - and would handle up to120,000 tonnes of material each year.

- Noise and smells would be kept to a minimum as all operations would take place in an enclosed building.

- Less waste would go to landfill.

- The site already has planning permission for warehousing, which was approved last year. It has been empty since 2009 after the agrochemicals company moved its production to Europe.

- Cyclamax is carrying out the consultation before it submits a new planning application to change the use of the site.