Concern over ‘town centre’ waste site plan
A waste facility in a Midlothian town could have “disastrous consequences” for the health of local residents if allowed to operate on contaminated land, it has been claimed.
Dozens of objections have been lodged with Midlothian Council over the operation of the waste processing site in Loanhead on a former town centre scrap yard.
A retrospective planning application for the change of use of the site is due to be heard by elected members after councillor leader Kelly Parry, a local ward member for the town, called it in for a decision.
But while officers are recommending the application for approval, Loanhead and District Community Council has raised serious concerns over the impact on local residents of disturbing the grounds of the former mining site.
In an objection to the council, they say: “The site encompasses two shafts of the former Ramsay
Colliery and is an area of high contamination. This contamination needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency to protect the health of Loanhead residents.
It is unimaginable that Midlothian Council Planning Department is seriously considering permitting a waste transfer site to operate on a seriously contaminated site.”
A report from planning officers says the site’s industrial history predates the housing which has built up around it adding that the scrapyard, which operated for more than 50 years also pre-dated “modern environmental standards”.
The council received 26 individual objections which raised concerns over the impact of traffic in and out of the site, the centre being in close proximity to schools and a call for it to be moved to a more industrial location away from housing.
Enviroworx, which is operating the site, said: A commitment to environmental sustainability, community benefit, and operational efficiency drives our planning application. We respect the concerns of our stakeholders and are committed to open, transparent dialogue to address these concerns. Our proposal represents a positive step forward for the Loanhead community.”