Developer submits plan for Prescot recycling site
DEVELOPER Prescot Business Park has submitted an application to Knowsley Council to convert the former BICC Rod Rollers factory in Prescot into a new recycling facility.
The company, which is a joint venture between industrial property specialist Michael James and Home Bargains founder Tom Morris, plans to operate an 84,000 sq ft building on 6.7 acres for 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The facility forms part of a wider 64 acre development of the rest of the BICC Cables site which is set to include new housing, other economic development use and new green space.
A report due to be considered by the council’s planning committee today states that the site would receive around 49,000 tonnes of waste a year and provide around 15 full-time jobs. Council officers are recommending that councillors approve the application, citing the regeneration and job creation benefits.
It said the land has previously been used for industrial purposes, the building has been vacant for some time and currently has a “poor visual appearance”.
However, more than 400 people have signed a petition against the proposal, citing concerns over potential noise, vermin and dust as well as health and environmental concerns. Residents said they had no knowledge over the type of waste being handled on the site and argued that it could contribute towards traffic problems.
