ANGRY residents have claimed their homes will become unsaleable and their health put at risk if asphalt plant plans go ahead.
At a public meeting last night (Tuesday), chaired by East Cowes Town Council in the town hall, more than 100 residents unanimously voted against the proposed siting of an asphalt plant on the Cowes bank of the River Medina.
They voiced concerns about potential serious health risks, noise, smoke and pollution.
Highways PFI bidder Eurovia Roadstone hopes to build a £2.3 million asphalt plant and recycling facility on a former landfill site next to Medina Wharf, off Arctic Road, Cowes.
East Cowes residents said they would be the worst affected with smoke and fumes blown across the river into schools, homes and businesses.
Cllr Robert Hooper said: "The smell from the plant would make the current seaweed smell like Chanel No5 in comparison."
Town councillors agreed to contact IW Council cabinet member for highways, transport and waste, Edward Giles to ask for the application to be defer for at least two months and to demand an independent environmental and health assessment into impact of the proposal, at the cost of the applicant.
A Facebook group called Residents Against Asphalt has also been established.
Eurovia Roadstone previously told the County Press the facility would be designed to meet recommended noise limits. It also claimed it was unlikely there would be dust and odour nuisance, due to the measures to be put in place.
For a full report see the Isle of Wight County Press, Friday, May 18.
Reporter: jamiew@iwcpmail.co.uk