CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn an industrial unit in Cleckheaton into an asbestos transfer station have been completely withdrawn.

Check Environmental, which has other similar sites, had submitted a change-of-use application for premises at Brookside Works, Brick Street, that were previously used by a stone-cutting firm.

Following a number of objections and a petition against the scheme which attracted more than 400 signatures, the application has now been withdrawn.

The firm also confirmed that it had withdrawn its interest in the site completely.

Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin said: “Congratulations to all the campaigners who have helped bring about this fantastic result. Local residents have raised valid concerns about the levels of heavy HGV traffic in Cleckheaton, the proposed station’s proximity to houses and schools and the potential risks to health.

“This shows what can be achieved when a community pulls together with a common goal.”

The facility that had been proposed was to house up to ten containers and was for individuals to take small amounts of asbestos to the site already properly wrapped, or double-bagged and sealed.

In addition containers were to be hired out to demolition sites or sites where asbestos is being stripped from buildings.

It would have seen the asbestos transfer station open from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

Kirklees Council’s environmental health team was concerned about the lack of information provided with the application and sought information on pollution and noise concerns.

A report called for an assessment of the noise emissions from the proposed development and added that if the predicted levels were unacceptable, it may be necessary to refuse the application.

Steve Dawson, managing director of Check Environmental, had previously told the Telegraph & Argus that there was a lot of misunderstanding about asbestos and the associated risks.

“The risks are controllable with the correct procedures. Asbestos can be deadly and there are diseases associated with it, but we have standard operating procedures in place to mitigate this.

“We also operate within an Environment Agency permit which has strict rules and regular assessments.”

The firm had been running HGV operations from the site on Brick Street, but has already withdrawn its operations ahead of formally withdrawing the planning application, which was finalised on Monday.