An MP has accused a waste management company of acting like an “occupying force” after it launched a legal battle to allow its lorries to operate from 4am.

Lewes MP Norman Baker is calling on the Planning Inspectorate to refuse Veolia’s appeal to have lorries rumbling around the streets of Newhaven from 4am six days a week.

The transport minister accused Veolia of having “contempt for the people of Newhaven”.

Veolia was granted permission by Lewes District Council in January for a waste lorry depot on land next to the Newhaven incinerator, the site used as an overnight depot for up to 20 lorries before heading out on collections.

However, the council’s planning committee rejected Veolia’s application to allow lorry movements to start from 4am on Monday to Saturday and bank holidays.

Several groups objected to Veolia’s plans, including Newhaven Town Council who described the move as “a totally unacceptable variation” from the agreed starting times of 7am for the incinerator. The firm claims it is essential that vehicles leave the site early as they needed time to travel to areas such as Hove and Hastings within restricted hours for waste collection.

Mr Baker said: “Veolia continue to push the boundaries and in doing so they are showing complete contempt for the people of Newhaven.”

He said of the 7am consent: “It seems that this is not good enough for this company and they want lorries rumbling around in the dead of night.”

A Veolia spokeswoman said the facility was required to provide waste collection services at times required by commercial customers within Newhaven and the wider South Downs area.

She added: “While we were pleased that Lewes District Council granted permission for the depot our appeal relates principally to the restrictions on daily start-up times, which were imposed against the advice of officers and the council’s environmental health officer.” A date for the review has yet to be set.