CAMPAIGNERS are angry after an environmental watchdog u-turned on their refusal for a proposed waste plant.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) originally rejected an environmental permit application Hazrem Environmental’s facility at Nine Mile Point industrial estate in Caerphilly county borough back in January this year.

Following a public consultation regarding the plant, NRW ruled it could have a negative effect on local peoples’ health.

But, following a Hazrem appeal, NRW overturned the initial decision, saying the company “included extra technical information that wasn’t previously included in their application”.

Campaigners from the Members of the Lower Sirhowy Valley Residents Group have opposed plans since the plant was granted planning permission by Caerphilly council in December 2015.

The group previously staged several protests alongside residents in Wattsville and Cwmfelinfach, and also gained the support of Islwyn MP Chris Evans, and AM Rhianon Passmore.

Cllr Philippa Marsden, who represents the Ynyssdu ward, branded the u-turn decision “ridiculous”.

She said: “I think from the local community perspective the main concern is around the air quality in Caerphilly. What do we actually know about what they [Hazrem] will be putting out?

“We all feel it is not fair, this is not something which should be built near villages.

“We will have to drive and walk through the fumes as Hazrem’s chimney will be street level. We are already in an area with bad air quality, why are we adding more?”

In response, Anwen Davies, the principal permitting team leader for NRW, said: “People’s health and wellbeing is the most important thing to consider when deciding whether or not to grant an environmental permit which is why we carefully consider any kind of effect a facility might have on the local area.

“In January we issued a refusal notice to Hazrem Environmental Limited for an application for an environmental permit after finding evidence that granting the permit would lead to air pollution levels that would be too high.

“Based on a new assessment of evidence provided by Hazrem, and following further advice from the Local Health Board, we believe that the air emissions are within acceptable limits and will not be contesting their appeal.”

For more on the appeal email wales@pins.gsi.gov.uk quoting 3172985