A CONTENTIOUS thermal waste treatment plant will not have a “significant” adverse effect on the environment if built near Caldicot, according to a Monmouthshire County Council officer.

Plans to build 15.5 metre high chimneys at the former Tata Steel site in Portskewett’s Severn Bridge Industrial Estate have courted controversy since being lodged in June.

In previous planning documents, DPS Solutions Ltd have stated that no hazardous materials would be accepted at the facility.

But of the nearly 250 objections, including submissions from local MPs Jessica Morden and David Davies, many have voiced concerns over the site generating air pollution.

Despite this, Nia Morrison, of the county council’s development management team, has said in a letter to the council that an environmental impact statement would not be needed.

It read: “Having regard to the scale and nature of the proposed flue stacks, the size of the site , the existing use of the site and possible effects from the proposal I consider that the proposal is unlikely to result in a significant adverse effect on the environment.

“I can confirm that an Environmental Statement will not be required to support a planning application submitted for the proposal described. This screening opinion was reached following consultation with various internal consultees.”

A similar stance was put forward by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in July, with planning advisor Claire McCorkindale concluding that air emissions are “not likely to be significant”.

All of the three town and community councils surrounding the site – Portskewett, Caldicot and Caerwent – have recommended the proposals be turned down.

Caerwent Community Council, the latest to submit their objections, said in a letter that the plant could deter clean industries from locating to the area.

Lack of information regarding the monitoring of emissions being sent into winds, close proximity to a residential area and a potential increase in traffic in surrounding villages were also put forward by the council.

Many of the concerned residents have taken to describing the plant as an “incinerator” - a term that DPS have staunchly denied is the case.

A spokesman said in August: “Whilst we do understand there are concerns locally, some are based on inaccuracies and so we are happy to discuss our plans in more detail with council representatives.”