Waste-oil plant protest

ANGER: From left Shirley Moutassem, Laura Bardsley, Brian Rutherford and Kathleen Unwin, at the site of the proposed development

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Residents have spoken of their outrage about plans for a waste-oil recycling plant near their homes — which they discovered only days before planning consultation was due to end.

Locals moved swiftly to collect 140 signatures on a petition against the development on Green Lane, Failsworth before consulatation ended yesterday. They fear traffic problems and bad smells from such a plant.

The development, from KS Oil Factors Ltd, will process waste cooking oil from local restaurants. The resulting product will be used in bio-fuels.

Shirley Moutassem (56), of Rose Hey Lane, who started the petition, said: “I was really upset because I wasn’t informed. They kept it really quiet.”

The area around Green Lane is industrial and as a result only a handful of local businesses were told of the plan.

But Ms Moutassem added: “It’s near enough to us — nearer than they’re making out. There’s already a problem because of the sewage works, it’ll be worse with the smell of the oil.”

If the proposals are approved, the company will erect eight huge tanks, with a total capacity of 290 tonnes - to hold and treat waste oil. The first delivery would be of around 20 tonnes of waste oil.

One business owner claimed people weren’t adequately informed of the proposal, despite Oldham Council putting a notice on a lamp-post next to the site.

He said: “Nobody has seen the note at all. If they don’t put up a notice that’s clear, and don’t notify the people being affected, there won’t be a response. What were they thinking to not publicise something that would have a major impact on the area?”

Kevin Smith, of KS Oil Factors, said: “I don’t think it’s within any residential vicinity. Properties are a distance away, I’m surprised there are any concerns.”

Mr Smith went on to explain how he believes that the half-a-million pound development would benefit Oldham.

“We’re bringing this treatment from Wales to the UK. It’s better suited here for expansion, it’s closer to the motorway network. We feel Oldham is going to be at the forefront for green energy and recycling.”