Plans to build a waste storage and distribution facility at a former fly-infested site are set to be refused, according to the planning agents.
The Observer revealed last month how Worldwide Waste Management Ltd had drawn up proposals to use the former NIPA Laboratories site on Nook Lane for storage.
But Hyndburn’s chief planning officer Simon Prideaux and Lancashire County Council (LCC) have criticised the plans over green belt and highways issues.
Andrew Morgan, of agents ADM Design, said they are expecting the proposals to be refused.
He told the Observer: “We can’t really contradict what’s been stated. The council in their wisdom have identified the site as being green belt when it’s a brownfield site given its former use and history.
“The fact they have identified it as green belt means in a way they are saying they don’t want any use on that site. I would have thought they would be quite keen to get something on there that’s acceptable to everybody rather than leaving it in a state of limbo.
“I don’t think there’s been fierce opposition to it. I don’t think we have got any option but to take the refusal on the chin and then consider our options after that.”
Mr Morgan said they are expecting a decision on the plans next month.
The site hit the headlines in the summer of 2012 after waste dumped there and was blamed for an outbreak of flies in the area.
Mr Prideaux, of Hyndburn council, said the use of the proposed land is ‘not appropriate in the green belt’ and would have a ‘significant impact on the openness’ of the area.
He added: “The proposed development would also result in heavy goods vehicles using an access that is clearly not designed for such use and which has a poor quality junction with New Lane. I understand that the Highways Authority has also objected to the proposal for these reasons.”
Ray Bennett, principal officer of Highways Development Control for LCC, also raised highway safety concerns and said it was ‘obvious that the lane is a popular spot for walking with a number of pedestrian dog walkers being evident’.
He said due to the limited road width of the adopted section of Nook Lane it is ‘unsuitable’ for two cars to pass side by side and trying to reverse would be ‘potentially perilous’.
