Plans to build an incinerator to burn thousands of tonnes of hazardous medical waste on the border of Knowsley has sparked controversy.
The plans, which were submitted to Lancashire County Council in December, show proposals for a high temperature treatment facility for medical waste based off Stopgate Lane in Simonswood.
In the planning documents, applicant Culzean W2E Ltd said it intends to burn up to 3,650 tonne per year of hazardous waste, as well as smaller quantities of non hazardous waste, mainly from medical facilities.
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Documents say the design means 400kg of waste could be processed per hour and it is hoped the development would bring 12 new jobs to the area.
Although the site, which forms part of an industrial estate with other waste facilities and a wind turbine nearby, falls under Lancashire County Council, it is also close to residential housing in Kirkby.
Several people have contacted the ECHO as well as posted on social media to express opposition to the plans.
A petition has also been launched and shared across social media, referring to concerns over traffic, noise and environmental issues linked to the plans.
The petition, which has been signed by over 600 people since being launched by Labour Knowsley states: "If the development went ahead, it would result in significant increases in the levels of early morning and late night noise and traffic problems in the local area. It would also have a environmental impact on residents."
On social media, one local resident who shared a copy of the planning application said: "I’m not sure if you are aware of this but I thought everyone should be aware and have their chance to object. I’m a resident on Stopgate Lane, Simonswood.
"A planning application has gone in to build a medical incinerator on the pingwood estate near to the wind turbine.
"As the land falls under the borough of West Lancashire, none of the Kirkby residents have been informed."
The post goes on to state: "There are a number of issues with this firstly the health of all our local people."
The resident adds: "It won’t just impact the people right next door but depending on the wind direction we will all be impacted. We’ve already had one battle with SONAE, let’s not let them get away with putting another incinerator in."
Several other people also contacted the ECHO to express their concerns at the plans, including one local resident, who asked not to be named and described the plans as "appalling."
The woman said: "I'm sure you will agree Kirkby is undergoing mass regeneration at the moment, including the new Morrisons, Home Bargains, Cinema and several new restaurants. New housing estates are bringing families to the area and the new train station will only boost the town further.
"For a long time Kirkby had a bad reputation and was one of the most deprived areas in Merseyside. I fear the building of this incinerator will completely eradicate all of the hard work and cash injected into the town and it will once again become an area with little economic growth and very low house prices."
Knowsley Council has also said it is opposed to the plans and will be submitting a formal objection.
A spokesperson for Knowsley Council said: "The site for the proposed medical waste incinerator is not in Knowsley and lies within the Lancashire boundary, so the planning application will be determined by Lancashire County Council.
"However, the site is close to the boundary with Knowsley, and therefore any such development would have an impact on Knowsley residents
“We have previously made clear to Lancashire County Council that Knowsley Council does not support this proposal.
"We will be submitting a detailed objection to this planning application, based on a number of concerns about traffic and operation of the site, existing environmental problems in the Simonswood area, and whether the application is in keeping with local planning policies.
"We hope that Lancashire County Council will listen to our concerns and refuse planning permission.
“We would urge local residents to take a look at what is being proposed, and to share their own objections with Lancashire County Council. They can do this on the Lancashire County Council website at https://planningregister.lancashire.gov.uk/Planning/Display/LCC/2022/0003”
The company behind the plans, Culzean W2E Ltd, said they were "keen to engage with the public" about the proposals and would soon be arranging an open day.
Chief Executive, Nick Kennedy, said: "The proposals are for a High Temperature Treatment Facility for the safe management of medical wastes which are currently transported further afield.
"The plant will be small scale and will be tightly regulated with an Environmental Permit required to be in place before the plant can operate.
"The plant will have to comply with stringent emission limits in accordance with legislation, in addition to other strict permit controls. Permit compliance will need to be demonstrated throughout the lifetime of the plant.
"We operate in an open and transparent way and we are always keen to engage with the public.
"An exhibition/open day will be held to allow members of the public to view the proposals and ask any questions they may have. This will be advertised in due course."
Lancashire County Council were also contacted for comment and a spokesperson said: "We have received a planning application for the demolition of an existing building and erection of a purpose built building and ancillary structures to house a high-temperature treatment facility for the management of medical waste, in Simonswood.
"This application will be following the statutory process to gather views before a decision is made by the Development Control committee.
"Anyone who wants to make any representation can do so in writing or by email. You can also make a representation online.
"For more information visit https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/council/planning/have-your-say-about-a-planning-application/ "
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