Fresh bid for controversial Brierley Hill waste plant

A fresh bid to build a controversial waste plant in Brierley Hill has been launched - despite previous plans being thrown out after hundreds of residents campaigned.

Clean Power Properties has submitted a second planning application for the land off Moor Street, promising to address people's concerns over bad smells.

It says improved air control will 'further reinforce' its claim that the proposed plant would have no negative impact on the community.

However, it is again likely to face opposition from the Say No tO Waste (SNOW) campaign group.

Group member, Rachel Harris, who is also a councillor for Brierley Hill, said: "I don't believe these changes that Clean Power have proposed will fundamentally impact on the views of the residents and we do not think the development is suitable for the area.

"We will continue to fight against this development. It is just not want the local people want."

This is Clean Power's second planning application to Dudley Council after its initial proposals were thrown out amid concerns smells could waft over nearby homes.

If approved, the six-acre plant would process about 195,000 tons of domestic and commercial waste a year, turning the materials into gas to create energy for up to 10,000 homes. It would also create 34 jobs.

In the revised application, new internal air-locks are proposed at three vehicle entrances to the building.

This, agent Iceni Projects says, is the sole difference between the current planning application and the proposal rejected by council bosses last year.

The document reads: "Clean Power Properties remain satisfied that the previous proposal would not have given rise to any odours.

"However, it is considered that the inclusion of the air locks will further reinforce the applicant's position that there will be no adverse impacts as a result of the proposed development.

"In view of this amendment and the evidence provided, it is considered that the previous reason for refusal has been addressed in this current planning application."

The application also contains an odour management plan detailing measures designed to stop smells leaving the plant.

It includes an emergency power supply to ensure odour control systems remain operational at all times and the sealing of buildings and connecting zones. An information website for residents is also proposed.

The planning application states there will be a limit on up to 70 waste lorry deliveries a day, between the hours of 8am and 7pm Monday to Friday and 7am and 3pm on Saturday.

The submission is the latest step in Clean Power Properties attempts to get approval. Earlier this year, it submitted a permit application to run the site with the Environment Agency. This is yet to be decided.