OBJECTORS fighting against controversial plans for a wool scouring plant have described it as "an environmental timebomb".

The proposal to transform a derelict mill at Addingham passed its first hurdle on Tuesday when it was debated by Bradford Council's Keighley planning committee.

Textile firm Straume (UK) has faced a barrage of opposition from people living near Low Mill who fear the toxic chemicals used in the wool scouring process will lead to smells and other environmental problems.

But managing director Sven Straum has promised to invest millions of pounds to make sure the process is safe.

The matter came before the planning committee because the company wants to make some changes to the site, including knocking down some buildings, constructing new ones and putting up a chimney.

A report compiled by planning officers revealed 105 individual objections had been received, along with 1,997 pre-printed objection letters.

Many of these had been submitted by people walking past the site on the Dales Way public footpath.

Their objections included the fact the plans went against green belt rules, would be detrimental to the character of the area, and would cause extensive noise, air and water pollution.

They also claim the existing road network could not cope with lorries coming to and from the site.

Straume (UK) has already been been granted a certificate to say it can use the mill for wool scouring.

The report adds: "The process involves cleansing raw wool in hot water and detergents and drying by hot air blowing. Existing scouring plants in the locality have been responsible for a degree of environmental nuisance.

"The smell generated can be offensive and plant can be noisy. The discharge of waste products to the sewage system has also caused controversy."

Councillors stated they were mindful to approve the plan after visiting the site.

But because the development is in green belt, it still faces two more major hurdles before the final approval can be granted.

It will go before the transport, planning and design committee next Wednesday before being submitted to the Environment Secretary John Prescott.

Mr Prescott then has 21 days to make up his mind whether to call it in for further scrutiny.

Speaking after the planning meeting, residents' spokesman Peter Stepetic said: "We reiterated our fears and concerns about the use of the site for a toxic process. In spite of our warnings over the use of organophosphates and chemicals in an area adjacent to the River Wharfe, the scheme has been given the go-ahead.

"We intend to fight on and we shall be lobbying John Prescott to take a very close look at a scheme which we think is inappropriate.

"We are dismayed at the decision by Bradford councillors and feel if it goes through, the outcome will be an environmental timebomb"

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