A pallet manufacturer in Ellesmere Port is introducing greener technology as part of wider expansion plans that have been approved despite some local concerns.
Cheshire West and Chester planners have approved an application by Scott Pallets on Cromwell Road for for installation of an additional drying kiln with oil boiler and flue, biomass boiler with flue and plant room, a wood chipper and storage silo. The plans also include the re-location of the site's existing drying kiln.
A planning application said currently the only drying kiln was heated by an oil boiler, but the proposed biomass boiler would be fuelled by wood chips produced on site.
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It said: "The use of this woodchip fuel, a by-product of the pallet manufacturing industry saves on transport miles that would have been required for its disposal, avoids the use of heating oil and its delivery miles on a regular basis with the added advantage of burning woodchip fuel, which is almost carbon neutral."
It said the kiln was needed to fuel expansion and meet demand for the company's products.
The proposed drying kiln would be 5.2 metres high and is of a similar size to the existing kiln which will be re-located. The proposed boiler house stands to approximately 3.6 metres in height and would have a flue that stands to 11.7 metres in height and be finished in stainless steel.
According to a council officers' report, over recent years there has been 'significant levels' of new residential development surrounding the site to the west, north and south. The site is immediately adjacent the Chester Canal Conservation Area and locally listed The Billet Arm to the north.
A total of 10 letters of objection had been received from residents raising concerns over things like noise, air pollution, smells, dust, traffic and decrease in property prices.
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The officer's report said: "Concerns have been raised in regard to the impact of the development upon residential of local residents, especially in relation to odours, dust and health.
"It is recognised that the site is surrounded by residential properties to the west, north and south and there is some conflict between the residential use and commercial use of the site."
Recommending approval, it added: "However, it should be noted that these properties have been built more recently and this site has been well established for a number of years. The concerns of members of the public are recognised, however, this proposal is in line with the existing use of the site and it would be situated in the area of the site which is furthest away from any residential properties."
The plans were subsequently approved.
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