Neighbours' anger at steelworks

THE tortured neighbours of an 'obnoxious' steelworks site in Vines Cross say their lives have been made hell and enough is enough.

For the last ten years residents of Cowden Hall Lane have had to put up with the noise and smell of the ever-expanding MGP Steelworks site near their homes.

Owner of the works, Mel Pocock, recently applied for permission to close down his operation and build houses on the site an attractive proposition for some jaded neighbours.

However, district councillors refused to be 'held to ransom' by the proposal and refused to grant permission at a planning meeting last week.

Cllr Elizabeth Kiernan said: 'We must not be intimidated by MGP Steelworks. The neighbours have had to put up with a great deal from this person, but we cannot approve these very large houses on such a small site.'

Local resident Leslie Redford, 70, told the committee: 'The problems caused by the steelworks are well documented. The noise is intolerable during the day, with welding, hammering and clattering.

'Massive cranes dominate the landscape. Fumes invade my garden, making it unbearable to sit out in. And as the business grows, it gets louder and more obnoxious.'

Permission for the steelworks was originally refused by the district council in 1992, but was later given the go-ahead on appeal by a planning inspector.

Since then, there have been many allegations that the owner has broken the rules governing the size and nature of his business. Enforcement officers have investigated, but action has yet to be taken.

Another local resident, Simon Cowley, said at last week's meeting: 'Despite the conditions in the agreement, they use heavy goods lorries which arrive at 6am and use my driveway to jockey in and out of the site.

'The steelworkers have so antagonised the local residents that many are now willing to accept a development which they would otherwise dismiss out of hand.

'As this council's policy states, the fear of a worse alternative is no reason to grant permission for an unacceptable development.'

The owner's agent, Roger Nightingale, argued: 'This is a valuable opportunity to greatly improve the amenities and atmosphere of the local area.'

However, local councillor Rupert Simmons was not convinced. 'There's absolute misery being suffered by this community,' he said. 'The business has grown out of all recognition.

'Way out'

'We have not executed our full powers as an authority to get these conditions complied with. The temptation now is to use this application as a way out.

'We cannot be held to ransom by this man. But the misery will continue unless this authority gets to grips with the conditions imposed by this same authority.'

Cllr Brian Hubbard added: 'The enforcement department is clearly not doing its job properly. We must tell them to pull their fingers out and get something done as soon as possible.'