THE owners of a Rossendale landfill site are planning to expand the industrial rubbish tip to include food and farm waste.

Residents and commuters have raised concerns that the new facility will mean an increase in noise, dust, traffic congestion, and bad smells in the area.

Peel Environmental Ltd, which owns Fletcher Bank Quarry in Shuttleworth, Ramsbottom, wants to construct an anaerobic digestion plant as an addition to the site.

The facility would use organic matter from hotels, restaurants and supermarkets, and agricultural waste from farms, to turn into biogas to generate heat and electricity.

If construction goes ahead, it is feared that congestion on both Manchester and Whalley Roads would worsen due to lorries travelling to and from the site.

Coun Ian Bevan, who represents Ramsbottom, said: “It has been a cause of frustration for residents for many years that this quarry produces noise and dust and a large number of wagons running through Shuttleworth.

“I accept that this scheme will bring in investment into the area, as well as creating permanent full-time jobs and possibly seasonal positions. But other sites have been plagued by bad odours and traffic issues.

“We also have to ask whether the proposed plant will be sympathetic to the surrounding area.

“My own opinion is that they are looking at further blighting our area.

“Ramsbottom already contributes more than most towns in terms of green energy and waste recycling.”

Peel Environmental and Bury Council will be organising a consultation event to afford residents the opportunity to share their views and ask questions.

Kieran Tames, development surveyor at Peel Environmental, said: “We are at an early stage in the formation of our plans and the local community will be consulted fully over the scheme.

“We look forward to comments and feedback from the community during the consultation process and using these to help shape our thinking.”