Members of Knowsley’s Labour group have spoken of their fury after a meeting with the developer behind controversial medical incinerator plans.
The leader of Knowsley Council posted on Twitter attacking the “attitude” of the developers following the open meeting, held to address concerns raised by Kirkby residents over the proposals.
Culzean W2E Ltd submitted plans to Lancashire County Council in December for a facility to burn medical waste at a site off Stopgate Lane in Simonswood, Lancashire – an area that borders Knowsley.
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In the planning documents, Culzean W2E Ltd said it intends to burn up to 3,650 tonnes per year of hazardous waste, as well as smaller quantities of non hazardous waste, mainly from medical facilities.
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.
The plans have prompted strong opposition in Knowsley with concerns over increased air pollution for residents in Kirkby and the wider impact of traffic to the site.
Last week, representatives from the developer called a meeting to discuss concerns about the proposal, which was attended by local residents and councillors, including members of Knowsley Labour.
In a lengthy post on Twitter after the meeting, Knowsley Labour said: “Labour Knowsley Councillors, Kirkby Labour Councillors and colleagues from Simonswood Parish Council have just attended a meeting with Culzean W2E, with respect their planning application for an incineration site.
“They promised an open day for questions and concerns to be addressed, instead we got a glossy presentation and a defensive attitude.
“There is no sympathy from them as to why we are so opposed to this development
“Absolutely enraged. For years residents, councillors and the council have complained about that site and no enforcement has been taken.
“So, forgive us if we don’t believe them. That attitude, just further illustrates why we don’t trust this site to be managed properly and why we don’t want this here.
“If they were hoping to in some way, sway our opinion on this they are very much mistaken.
“We firmly stand in opposition to this development and will continue to convey that message.
“They were left in no doubt about our feelings on the matter.!”
Retweeting the post, leader of Knowsley Council, Cllr Graham Morgan said: “Even more concerned after this meeting, with the attitude on display, from the developers.
“We have heard it all before. Once bitten… this has to be stopped!”
Chief executive of Culzean W2ELtd Nick Kennedy said: “We have no further comment to make at this time.
“We provided an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and to ask questions and we responded accordingly during the open day.”
The plans are due to be discussed at a meeting of Lancashire County Council in the coming weeks, where councillors from across the county will decide on whether to approve or reject the plans.
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