Vow to fight on over plans for Brierley Hill waste plant

Clean Power Properties has lodged an appeal following Dudley Council's decision to refuse planning permission for its proposals for the plant in Moor Street.

Last night more than 60 people turned out to a public meeting, which was organised by the Brierley Hill Snow (Say No to Waste site) group.

The organisation is rallying support for a second time after more than 350 people signed a petition against the waste plant, before the plans were thrown out by councillors in August last year.

Residents are concerned that the plant, which would process around 195,000 tons of mixed waste, including food, each year, will increase traffic, release odours and blight the landscape.

Tim Lees, aged 63, of Seagers Lane, told the meeting at Insight House in Pearson Street, that residents had until March 18 to make written representations to the Planning Inspectorate ahead of a planning inquiry, which is expected to take place in June. He said the group was keen to have a residents' representative at the inquiry.

"What we would like to do is put a representative from the group forward at the planning inquiry to represent residents," he said.

"They would be able to put forward our case and cross examine witnesses put forward by Clean Power and by the council. It would add a great deal more weight to our campaign."

Committee chairman and former Brierley Hill councillor Rosemary Tomkinson said there was 'a huge amount of support' for the campaign.

She added: "It's a dreadful thing to have near houses. If it was on a factory site by a good road network, maybe close to a motorway, then it would maybe a good idea – I'm all for recycling more as I hate waste. But this is the wrong place for it. I hate the thought of walking out of my door and smelling this plant."

Mark Everson, of Moor Street, said he was concerned about the impact increasing traffic would have on roads through the town.

"The roads can't cope with the traffic now," he said.

"The people of Brierley Hill and Dudley cannot be expected to pay for the damage caused to the roads."

The group is planning to hold another public meeting in the coming weeks.

Clean Power Properties, which ran two consultation sessions prior to Dudley Council's decision, has defended its plans. It says the plant would create 30 jobs.

It said the facility would generate electricity for up to 10,000 homes a year and has also insisted the plant would not create bad odours.

The firm says it believes its plans comply with local planning policy and reduce the borough's reliance on landfill.