ONE Dumfries resident has voiced concerns over plans to construct a concrete batching plant directly across from their home.
Animal behaviourist Briony Lazarides’ property and kennels, where she keeps a number of Saint Bernard dogs, are just metres away from the proposed plant site on Irongray Road.
Border Tank Services Ltd has lodged proposals to create a self-service batching plant on vacant land at Irongray Industrial Estate.
The plant would be a user-friendly facility where customers can select the exact type and quantity of concrete, mortar, or screed they need.
It would include a concrete station, aggregate stores, boundary fencing, a cabin and the formation of three accesses.
The plant would need to run for five minutes to mix the product, approximately ten times a day. The telehandler would need to run twice daily for 30 minutes and delivery of aggregates would also be twice daily for five minutes.
Ten objections had been lodged to the application at the time of going to print.
Speaking to the Dumfries Courier, Briony, who moved to her property in 2018, said: “I feel like the noise will be torturous for my animals and other people.
“I’m gravely worried about potential health effects for myself and my animals, if this is passed, from the toxic dust.
“This, if passed, would blight my home to the effect of it being unsaleable for any sum where I could purchase another home, no one else would want to be breathing in these toxins either.
“The impact of this dust on the wider community is relevant too, including not just Lochside and Woodland residents, but also on surrounding fields and businesses.
“It will cause traffic chaos, loss of lorry overnight parking, significant noise pollution and air pollution.
“Cement which goes into concrete is responsible for eight percent of CO2 emissions in the world. And all of this is next to Lochside Regeneration.”
Addressing the concerns, Border Tank Services director Lewis Scott said: “The site is strategically located within an industrial area that already houses a wide variety of businesses, including an HGV workshop, electricians, manufacturing facilities, construction companies, and even kennels.
“This demonstrates that the area is well-suited for industrial activities.
“We understand the importance of minimising environmental impact. Our self-batching approach offers several advantages.
“By eliminating unnecessary transportation and producing concrete on-demand, we can achieve up to a 25 per cent CO2 reduction compared to on-site hand-mixing.
“Precise mixing and on-site production reduce waste, and any excess materials can be recycled or reused.
“The water used to clean the mixing pan after use is recycled within the plant, minimising water consumption and preventing runoff.
“We’ve conducted a thorough noise assessment, and the noise generated will be within local regulations.
“Strategically placed barriers will help contain noise within the site.
We’ve chosen equipment designed for quiet operation and we’ll manage operating hours to avoid disruption to the surrounding area.”
“The plant will also create jobs and contribute to the local economy.”
