"Nuisance, disturbance and pollution" would afflict people living near a proposed quarry if it goes ahead, the area's MP has warned
Jon Cruddas, MP for Dagenham and Rainham, has stated his "strong opposition" to plans for a quarry at Rainham Lodge Farm in Berwick Pond Road.
Fierce opposition was sparked when a pre-planning application was presented to Havering Council by developer Brett, a UK-based sand and gravel firm, on December 7.
Mr Cruddas has become the latest figure to oppose the proposal and said it was time to protect public health.
"What is not needed is another quarry in an area where residents have lived in misery," Mr Cruddas said.
"This new proposal will result in well over 100 lorry movements each day, causing more nuisance, disturbance and pollution," he added.
Opposition in the area has also been significant and campaigner Kevin Sugrue's 'Say No To The Quarry' group has more than 2,000 members.
Mr Sugrue had said it would result in residents and businesses in the immediate area being blighted.
He was joined by many others, including Warwick Lane resident Mark Stone, who said: "Green space that everyone enjoys is going to be ruined."
Mr Cruddas will be standing down as MP at the next general election. Margaret Mullane, who hopes to be Dagenham and Rainham's next Labour MP, joined him in opposing the move.
"I will be making my objections to the council when the application comes for consideration by Havering’s planning committee," she said.
Mr Cruddas added that Rainham residents have already had to contend with a quarry in Wennington off East Hall Lane, and a second would compound the area's air pollution problem.
"When this planning application comes before the council I will be making my formal objections," he confirmed.
"We are already engaged positively with Havering Council in tackling the ongoing fires at Arnolds Field, Launders Lane.
"The local area faces the additional air borne pollution that will come from the second waste incinerator at Belvedere just across the Thames,” he added.
The proposal was considered in a council strategic planning committee meeting on December 7.
Havering Council previously confirmed the proposed development is being considered, but may come back to the committee for final review.
Brett has been approached for comment.
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