Neighbours fear plans for a waste and vehicle depot in New Southgate could "spoil" the whole area.

Barnet Borough Council is proposing to buy the site at Abbots Depot, in Oakleigh Road South, New Southgate, to store its rubbish trucks when it moves out of its current depot in Mill Hill in December 2016.

The site would include a bulking facility for food waste and rubbish, and a fuel station. An adjacent site is currently used as a depot by two skip companies.

People living nearby fear the impact it would have on traffic and pollution in the area, and that it could cause a safety hazard for children going to schools and the recreation ground close by.

Kanu Dave, of Grovefield House, Coppies Grove, said: “We are worried about the environment, especially as children play opposite. It could end up spoiling the whole area.”

Sittika Musa, 75, of Brunswick Grove, said: “We don’t want that smelly thing dumped on our doorstep. The traffic will get worse. It’s bad enough as it is. You cannot even go in your garden in the summer it’s so noisy.”

Carolyn Slinn, of Falkland Avenue, said: “We haven’t got the infrastructure round here to deal with it. It will be horrendous.

“Nobody wants it here and definitely not opposite a children’s playground. Why spoil the recreation ground? A lot of the kids rely on it.”

Patricia Cox, of Pimmes Green Road, said “It’s bad enough as it is. The dust coming from the trucks to the current site is awful. The houses get covered in dust.

“My concern is the children going to schools nearby. You take your life in your hands at the moment crossing the road, the trucks come down so fast. I’m surprised there haven’t been any accidents.”

Katerina Papadaki, who lives in Oakleigh Road South, said it would make traffic problems “a 100 times worse.”

She added: “I am already disturbed by the traffic. Every time one of these trucks passes my house, the whole house shakes.”

Ken Brown, 79, of Marne Avenue, said: “Parking is a huge problem. If this thing goes through, with over 100 trucks, what is going to happen? It’s already a hazard, and if this happens it’s only going to get worse.

“As far as the waste is concerned, what about the smell and the vermin? This is a residential area, it’s not an industrial site. It’s going to be awful.”

More than 500 people have signed a petition opposing the plans, which can be found here. 

Barnet Council leader, Councillor Richard Cornelius, said: "The Abbots Depot is not a done deal yet and any proposals will be subject to planning, but I hope residents will take the time to come to the exhibition to learn about our proposals.

“If nothing else I hope we dispel a few myths. Leaflets are circulating suggesting that this will take waste from outside of Barnet. That simply isn't true.

“We are simply looking for somewhere to keep Barnet's trucks.”

Barnet Council is hosting a two-day public exhibition to see the plans, and proposals will also be made available online, along with a feedback form.

The public exhibition will take place at the Barnet Council offices in North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, on Friday, March 13 from 2pm to 8pm, and Saturday, March 14 from 10am to 3pm.