'We've enough rubbish as it is': Tipton residents' recycling plant fears

Neighbours in Lilac Avenue and Bloomfield Terrace are worried there will be increased noise and air pollution when the new Bloomfield Recycling Depot is built, with one labelling it 'a big mistake'.

The plant, in Bloomfield Road, is designed to cope with up to 100,000 tonnes of waste a year. It was given the green light by planners on Dudley Council this week.

Nearby resident Dawn Turton, 49, said the depot would increase dust and noise at the back of Lilac Avenue residents' homes.

Currently, there is a concrete processing station at the site, which would be demolished as part of the plans.

Mrs Turton, who has lived on the street for 26 years, said: "I don't want a recycling plant because we've got enough dust and rubbish back there as it is. They said at one point there were plans for a housing estate there - but all of a sudden we've got a recycling plant.

"Building a plant there would be the biggest mistake. I don't want it at all."

Retired factory worker Janet Riley, 74, who has lived in her Lilac Avenue home for 45 years, believes the new plant will worsen the situation for residents.

Mrs Riley said: "There will be more lorries down the main road and more dust and noise as well."

Ward Councillor Syeda Khatun said a number of residents had spoken to her about the smell and potential for 'pollution' from the site - but they had not been aware a planning decision was imminent.

The proposal was given the green light at a meeting of Dudley Council's development control committee.

At the meeting, Councillor Colin Elcock said: "I think it's a very forward looking facility. To have this facility there, which will hopefully heat homes in the future from this site, is an absolutely wonderful idea.

"I think it's something we've been crying out for in this country for a long, long time."

Councillors unanimously voted to approve the scheme, which developers Broadcrown Ltd said would create 20 new jobs.

Waste will be put through the renewable energy facility each year and converted into electricity and heat.

This could generate enough electricity to power 12,000 homes and benefit local businesses and community facilities.

Councillor Khatun, who represents the Tipton Green ward on Sandwell Council, said: "The recycling plant is good for jobs, but I think residents are worried it will bring in pollution."