Attempts by the Tories to boost their green credentials have been attacked this month, after it emerged that the man who would be Environment Secretary in a Conservative government is fighting to stop the construction of two recycling plants in his constituency.
The Conservatives have promised to push Britain towards a “goal of a zero-waste society.” However, the shadow Environment Secretary, Nick Herbert is opposing the construction of two major facilities in his Arundel and South Downs constituency, claiming that they are the “right idea in the wrong place.”
Mr Herbert has written to West Sussex Council arguing that the “rural character of the South Downs and surrounding countryside and villages must be protected.” His battle against the developments also appear to contradict a second Tory manifesto pledge to reduce landfill and encourage alternative forms of waste disposal. He is siding with residents who are trying to block a plan to convert a sawmill into a state-of-the-art plant capable of recycling 75,000 tonnes of waste a year.
Mr Herbert has argued that the Focus Recycling site is too close to a village. He is also opposing a new composting facility, proposed by the firm Olus Environmental, stating that it is planned for a site at the foot of the South Downs.
Hilary Benn, the Environment Secretary said, “Nick Herbert says that he is a big supporter of recycling, but it seems that this does not extend to giving his backing to recycling facilities in his own constituency. David Cameron has tried to change the Tories’ image by talking up his green credentials, but it is clear that beyond the photo shoots with huskies they haven’t changed a bit.” Mr Herbert defended his opposition to the sites by claiming more sensible locations should be found for them. “There is no environmental gain if we damage an area of exceptional beauty and the tranquillity of a local community.”
