Knacker’s yard move looks set for go-ahead
CONTROVERSIAL plans to move a Burscough knacker yard to a new site in the town are set to be approved by planners.
The proposal is for Martland Knacker Yard, where horses and other animal carcasses are processed and disposed of, to move from its current site at Barton’s Farm, to a new purpose built facility off Tollgate Road.
Martland collects socalled “fallen stock” from farms and animal carcasses from public areas and from zoos, safari parks, equestrian establishments and racecourses.
They are then processed at the site to make products such as pet food, hides, and bonemeal.
The plans were first submitted in December 2014, sparking a strong and immediate backlash from residents in the Pippin street area.
West Lancashire Borough Council has received 17 objections from residents.
Their concerns touch upon a range of issues such as: distress to residents and children, impact on the nearby shopping centre, impact on a rural area, unpleasant smells, impact on the industrial estate, increase in flies and vermin, water pollution, wildlife, and the impact on nearby retail park.
The planning document also reveals that residents fought to prevent the expansion of a waste transfer centre on Burscough Industrial estate.
Despite “assurances” by the company, a chemical explosion took place at the site.
However, the planning committee has also received several letters of support from other residents who support the move to a more modern facility.
They point out that the odour problem at the existing site on Barton Farm has increased over the past 12 years, it is illequipped to deal with the volume and expansion of the business and is surrounded by houses.
They also say that the site is unfit for purpose and releases a sickening smell toward a residential estate and that the new site provides the applicant with the chance to build a well-equipped site.
The application looks set to be approved.
The relevant document explains: “The principle of development is acceptable and, subject to conditions, there are considered to be no significant issues in respect of other relevant matters such as impact on neighbouring amenity, highway safety, ecology and drainage.”
The application will be heard at a meeting of the planning committee next Tuesday ( June 21).
The meeting, set for 7.30pm, will take place at the council’s Derby Street offices.