Dust concern sparks fight on scrap plans
Controversial plans for a recycling plant which it is feared could give people breathing problems are being opposed by residents.
Controversial plans for a recycling plant which it is feared could give people breathing problems are being opposed by residents.
SRS Aggregates Ltd wants to build a waste transfer station at the site of an old scrapyard.
It wants to establish a crusher at Oldfields, in Cradley Heath. It already has permission to store recycled materials and sort scrap metals and de-pollute scrap vehicles there. If the new permission is approved builders skips would be unloaded and sorted in a building.
Then, materials such as bricks would be crushed and stored for future re-use or recycling.
However, a report to a planning meeting next week says residents in nearby Sutherland Road and Meadow Walk have objected on the grounds of dust, mud, noise and adverse impact on their homes.
Cradley Heath and Old Hill Councillor Julie Webb, claimed residents were already complaining about dust from an existing site the firm owns directly opposite Oldfields, causing breathing problems, and approval would only make matters worse.
She said: "I'm going to request a site visit next week to delay proceedings.
"The residents of Sutherland Road and Meadow Walk have had to endure months and months of increased problems with respiratory problems.
"The site has emitted so much dust it has affected people's chest problems. There were numerous incidents of asthma, people were hanging out washing and a big cloud of dust would come off the washing.
"It's too close to a residential area."
A statement submitted to Sandwell Council by the company states: "The provision of waste management facilities should make a positive contribution to improving the environment.
"However, because of the nature of these industrial processes they can be detrimental to the surrounding area. Health and safety has been designed into the scheme and the transfer station building is enclosed and therefore reduces visual impact and removes potential nuisance problems."
A verbal recommendation will be given at the meeting which is being held at Sandwell Council House, Freeth Street, Oldbury on Wednesday.
SRS Aggregates Ltd was unavailable for comment.
