£25m Tipton waste plant to create 20 jobs

Up to 100,000 tonnes of waste would be put through the renewable energy facility each year and converted into electricity and heat.

Bosses say it would generate enough electricity to power 12,000 homes and would benefit local businesses and community facilities who could utilise additional heat.

Around 20 staff would be employed at the plant on a stretch of land off Bloomfield Road, near the rail line, once it was operational.

Applicants Broadcrown Ltd said in a design statement: "The proposed facility will sort and segregate up to 100,000 tonnes per annum of commercial and industrial waste and demolition wood to generate renewable energy, heat and power, to the local district network.

"The proposal, therefore, provides a method of recovering maximum value from the existing waste stream which otherwise would be directed to landfill and generating a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and primary resources."

Work to be carried out at the site would include the refurbishment of the existing waste transfer building, site offices and maintenance building, alongside building the new facility. An existing concrete processing facility and gatehouse would be demolished.

A potential stumbling block for the plans when they are put before Dudley councillors will be the objection of the Coal Authority.

James Smith, planning liaison manager, said: "The Coal Authority records indicate that site is affected by considerable mining legacy. There are 10 mine entries within the site or within 20 metres of its boundary. No records are available of any treatment.

"Recorded underground mining has taken place at shallow depth beneath part of the site and further historic unrecorded underground coal mining is likely to have taken place at shallow depth.

"Building over or within the influencing distance of a mine entry raises significant safety and engineering risks and exposes all parties to potential financial liabilities."

The Tipton site would work alongside a £13m facility at Portway Road, Wednesbury, which was unanimously approved by a Sandwell Council planning committee in 2013. Construction is due to begin there imminently.

Councillor Ahmadul Haque, who represents the Tipton Green ward on Sandwell Council, said: "I think this proposal is great news for the area. The jobs this facility will create is excellent, so I certainly welcome the plans."