DEVELOPERS behind contentious asphalt plant plans for the Isle of Wight are holding two public events later this month — a week after the deadline for public comments on the application.
Eurovia Roadstone, said there had been difficulties in staging the meetings sooner, but the news has infuriated campaign group, Wight Residents against Asphalt Plant (WRAP), which called for the consultation period to be extended.
A WRAP spokeswoman said: "Providing a meeting after the closure of the consultation seems to be paying little more than lip service to their promise to answer the public's questions in full.
"Despite the further information provided to the council, there are still many questions unanswered, particularly relating to data on emissions and health which should have been answered in full before the end of the consultation.
"We urge the council to extend the consultation period accordingly."
Following a public meeting at East Cowes Town Hall last month, Eurovia yesterday announced two further events for residents, to take place on Friday and Saturday, September 28 and 29 at Newport Football Club, St George’s Way. The deadline to make comments on the application is on September 21.
Patrick Riley, a company director, said: "This is an opportunity for residents to meet us and to hear more about our proposed plans and additional information submitted as part of the planning process.
"While we realise these dates do fall outside the public consultation period set by the council, unfortunately, owing to other existing commitments of both Eurovia Roadstone staff and at the venue chosen to host the meetings, it has proved difficult to facilitate these meetings any earlier than this.
"However, we anticipate that the public interest in the planning application will continue and we are committed to keeping local residents informed about the plans and to provide them with the opportunity to discuss any concerns and queries directly."
The meetings will be held between 10am and 4pm.
Meanwhile, a young Island band will showcase a protest song, Countdown to Tarmac-geddon, tomorrow (Thursday) at the Kingston Arms, Cowes, at 7pm.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk