New homes on way next to Bridgtown waste plant despite 'clash of interests'

Project AML Ltd wants to build 111 homes and a pub/restaurant on land off the junction of Lakeside Boulevard and Walkmill Lane in Bridgtown.

But concerns have been raised by Cannock Chase Council officers in relation to the nearby hazardous waste plant run by the firm Augean.

A clash of interests has been identified by the local authority, with the new homes potentially having an impact on Augean's ability to operate and grow its business and, on the other hand, the waste plant's impact on future householders.

Augean has future plans to expand the business, possibly turning the site into a 24-hour operation.

The new housing development would be made up of houses and three-storey blocks of flats. Despite the concerns, the plans are set to get the go-ahead by Cannock Chase Council's planning committee tomorrow.

It states: "Overall the proposal will deliver an attractive new residential development which will add to the range of accommodation available in the area."

Bridgtown councillor Maureen Freeman said: "We will know more after a site visit before tomorrow's planning meeting but, as a local councillor, homes can only be a good thing."

However objections have been raised by neighbours who have voiced concerns about both the existing plant and the proposed homes.

They complain that fumes come from the Augean site. Complaints have been made in the past about Augean's plant but only one complaint – about smells – has been received in the last four years, according to the report.

Residents are also worried a new housing development would bring about an increase in traffic and parking problems, noise from the proposed pub. Bosses at Augean have objected to the housing plans. The company say a housing estate would result in conflict with their neighbours.