PROTESTORS opposing plans to build a thermal waste treatment plant near Caldicot have disputed claims that the facility is “unlikely” to cause significant adverse effects on the environment.

Severnside Together Opposing Pollution (STOP) have expressed concerns over the recent findings of a Monmouthshire County Council report with regards to the contentious proposals.

In a letter to the local authority, Nia Morrison said that an environmental impact statement would not be needed in relation to the application, which seeks to build 15.5 metre-high chimneys on Portskewett’s Severn Bridge Industrial Estate.

It read: “Having regard to the scale and nature of the proposed flue stacks, the size of the site, the existing use of the site and possible effects from the proposal I consider that the proposal is unlikely to result in a significant adverse effect on the environment.

“I can confirm that an Environmental Statement will not be required to support a planning application submitted for the proposal described. This screening opinion was reached following consultation with various internal consultees.”

A similar stance was put forward by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in July, with planning advisor Claire McCorkindale concluding that air emissions are “not likely to be significant”.

But Ted Tipper, leader of STOP, says the action group will continue to scrutinise what Ms Morrison, of the county council’s development management team, has written.

“STOP is very concerned that Nia Morrison has stated that an environmental statement will not be required to support the planning application for the waste treatment plant in Portskewett.

“We have found what we believe to be certain inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the statements made. We will be seeking expert advice on the contents of the letter and checklist before deciding our full response.”

The group was set up to challenge any planning application locally that they feel could potentially affect the health and safety of residents and employees.

The application has attracted around 250 objections, with local MPs Jessica Morden and David Davies among those with concerns over air pollution.