PLANS for the creation of a concrete plant business in Lochside have been put on hold until councillors visit the location.
Mr L Scott was hoping to receive planning permission from Dumfries and Galloway Council to erect a self-batching concrete station on vacant land adjacent to Irongray Road at Lochside Industrial Estate.
However, there was stiff opposition from 22 objectors. The site is close to a house and the Knowhead Boarding Kennels and Cattery business, and there are concerns about pollution and excessive noise.
The application was considered at the planning committee on Wednesday.
One objector, who attended the committee, said: “I ask you to please either refuse this application outright or defer the matter and undertake a site visit when you would see that it is wholly inappropriate for either the nature or scale of this business.
“Refusal would have no adverse economic impact as the business could be sited in a more appropriate quarry or brownfield site, for example at Heathhall.
“If here, SEPA ought to be consulted because of very significant water and dust risks.
“Three minutes does not give me long enough to outline the true and wide-ranging scale of adverse impacts.”
A letter of objection from a Nicole Manley was also read out. She argued that fine dust materials will affect the nearby house and other units on the industrial estate, stating: “The dust is toxic for wildlife and people living and working nearby.”
Homer Young, the agent for the applicant, said: “The proposal is to create a small-scale self-batching concrete plant on land identified for business and industrial use – in line with planning policy.
“Traditional concrete production methods are expensive and are relatively non-sustainable.
“Concrete waste is a major environmental issue as on-site waste can be as much as 10-15 percent.
“The proposed self-batching plant eliminates waste as customers only purchase exact amounts required, hence reducing waste.
“It’s important to stress that the proposal is not intended to be on a mass industrial scale, such as larger concrete suppliers or quarries in the area. It is aimed at small contractors, landscapers, farmers, builders, and DIY enthusiasts.”
Responding to the fears about cement dust escaping from the plant, he added: “This is eliminated due to the cement being delivered to the site in a sealed container, blown directly to the storage silo by sealed transfer.
“Cement is then transferred to the mixing plant with additional dust filters added to eliminate any cement dust escaping.”
Councillors opted to defer making a decision until after visiting the site.
