CONTROVERSIAL plans to build an asphalt plant on the Isle of Wight have been recommended for refusal by environmental health officers.
Refusal for the Eurovia Roadstone plant on the Medina has been recommended on the grounds of potential contamination from construction on the former landfill site at Medina Wharf and the noise impact on nearby residents.
Wight Residents against Asphalt Plant (WRAP) welcomed the environmental health stance but said it was disappointing the applicant, Eurovia, had been given yet another chance to submit more information.
The application, which is part of the multi-million pound roads Private Finance Initiative (PFI) has attracted hundreds of objection letters from residents, environmental bodies and businesses.
They fear emissions affecting both Cowes and East Cowes, noise, and traffic generation.
The applicant has consistently denied adverse environmental effects or that noise will affect nearby residents.
It is understood to be formulating a response to environmental health concerns.
Last week Isle of Wight Council leader Cllr David Pugh accused some campaigners of "scaremongering" pointing to an artist’s impression bearing no relation to what was proposed and them producing evidence of problems at other plants which did not relate to the Island proposal.
But he said campaigners had also presented cogent arguments against the plant.
Objectors said it was always made clear that the impression was only an early illustration of how the plant could look.
Medham Village resident James Luke, who said as a PhD scientist he had 20 years industrial engineering experience, pointed to solid research data from bodies including the World Health Organisation.
The council said today (Thursday): "The applicant submitted additional information in response to an original request from the local planning authority.
"This was subject to further public consultation, the result of which led to the local planning authority writing again to the applicant seeking further information.
"The letter, dated October 4 can now be viewed on the planning website. As a result of the letter a meeting is being arranged between officers and the applicant to discuss the council’s latest requirements.
"If as a result of the meeting further information is submitted, further consultation may be undertaken."
The environmental health letter can be seen here.