CONTROVERSIAL plans for a storage and service yard once rejected because of fears over noise and visual impact on nearby homes are recommended for approval.

A revised planning application was lodged for the proposed Eagle Plant development at land to the rear of Kirkham’s Garage, West End, Oswaldtwistle, after a previous application was thrown out by members of Hyndburn Council’s planning committee.

And now council planning officers have recommended committee members grant permission for the revised application despite letters of objection from nearby residents.

People living on Buttermere Drive, which overlooks the site, objected to the original plan, claiming it would affect their quality of life as well as impacting the value and saleability of their homes.

And eight letters of objection were received by the council concerning the revised plan.

The applicants say the site layout has been completely revised, in order to address the impact of both visual and noise amenity.

And operational hours on site would be from 8am to 6pm Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and 9am to 1pm on Sundays and bank holidays. Deliveries and HGV movements would be limited to between 7am and 1pm.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the revised application adds: “In respect of the forklift, which appears to be the principal noise emitter; the position of the static containers along the Western site boundary, along with office/welfare facilities and storage facility ensures that forklift operation and movement is restricted close to the adjacent properties/site boundary, further reducing the impact of noise upon local residents."

A report to go before the committee next week states: "Objection comments received cite the potential for increased noise, dust, pollution and odour levels during hours of operation.

"A noise impact assessment has been carried out by the applicant to assess the potential increase in noise levels from the

development on surrounding noise sensitive receptors.

"Although the noise impact assessment undertaken indicates that the noise assessment shows that the development could give rise to significant adverse impact, this can be reduced to an acceptable level by mitigation.

"The council’s environmental health officer has been consulted and offers additional measures be attached in the form of conditions to help mitigate the impact of noise."