NEARLY 20 objections have been submitted against plans to build a “waste incinerator” on a Caldicot industrial estate.

The application, lodged by DPS Process Solutions Limited, seeks permission to install two 15.5 metre-high stainless steel chimneys which would burn up to 20,000 tonnes of materials per year.

Storage containers would also be built at the Severn Bridge Industrial unit in Symondscliff Way, Portskewett.

The former Tata Steel site is currently used by DPS as a commercial research and development centre, which would “thermally treat a range of waste types” if proposals are approved.

Despite DPS asserting that all materials handled at the site would be “non-hazardous”, concerns remain over the unit’s close proximity to residential areas.

An air quality assessment estimated that emissions of some materials would fall within accepted limits and would have “negligible long-term effects.

But Monmouthshire County Council leader Cllr Peter Fox criticised the lack of public consultation and questioned the “difficult to understand” assessment.

“It gives the impression that emissions derived from the various receptor tests would be within accepted limits, however there are suggestions within the assessment that increased levels of processing would create substantial impact on air quality, this is very concerning,” he said.

“The implications for the community if this assessment is not totally accurate could be disastrous in many ways possibly including health issues and the constant living with any odours, the latter which in itself would massively affect the quality of life of the local community. “

Several Portskewett residents, along with Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay, have also urged the local authority to reject the plans.

Tracy Wotherspoon added: “Prevailing south-west wind will blow any fumes, soot or contaminated material directly over the Arthur’s Court and Tree Tops.”

Another resident, Dana Kelly, wrote: How will this affect air pollution, the health of child and elderly who will be living directly behind it? What about smell and noise pollution?”

Monmouthshire Business & Enterprise has supported the application as it would provide an initial 12 jobs, which would increase to 20 within 12 months.

A public meeting has been called by Portskewett Community Council at the Sudbrook Trinity Presbyterian Church in Church Row at 7.30pm tonight (Weds). Representatives from DPS are expected to attend.