Yesterday evening Torfaen Council approved a planning application from Shanks plc for an MBT(mechanical-biological treatment) plant on the old Re-chem site in Pontyfelin Lane aft almost 5 hours of debate. Some 9 people were given third party speaking rights to address the full Council convey their onjections to the proposals. They inmcluded Mr and Mrs Reardon, Dr Ken Caldicot, Cllr John Garwell, Bob Elson amongst others. After a long debate the propsal was approved by 26 votes to 12 with all 3 New Inn Councillors voting against the application. Concerns were expressed about traffic, the proximity to houses, the size of the building, posible noise, smell and insect infestations and the need for MBT was also questioned. Some 600 New Inn residents objected to the application. Approval is conditional on the company signing a legal agreement that unless Torfaen decide to use MBT for its domestic waste the plant cannot not be built. and if it is built can only be used by torfaen and surrounding authorities in S.E.Wales.

Cllr JohnTurner's speech to the Council opposing the application can be found on the Library page.