A CONTROVERSIAL plan to move a metal refinery from Birmingham to Redditch has been approved despite a public outcry.

More than 600 objections were made over Kaug Refinery Services Limited's plan to move its operations to the Moons Moat industrial estate.

The application sought to change the use of Unit 10 at the industrial estate to develop a facility for the recovery of precious metals from metal-containing wastes.

The plan, which was recommended for approval, was given the green light when it went before Worcestershire County Council's planning committee meeting this week.

Public concerns have been raised over the refinery's planned location, air pollution, as well as adverse noise and odours.

Redditch MP Rachel Maclean voiced her objection to the proposal, as well as Redditch Borough Council leader Matt Dormer.

During the meeting, principal planner Steve Aldridge, read out a letter of objection from MP Rachel Maclean.

He said: "She considers that not enough thought has been given to the impact this application would have on the local environment and residents that live close to the site".

"Residents’ concerns are legitimate and should not be ignored".

Objector Matt Newman spoke out against the plans at the meeting. He said: "There is absolutely no benefit to Redditch by granting this application. A paltry two jobs are created.

"The facility should be placed away from residential and green spaces.

"There have been 642 objections from residents, objections from two local councillors, and an objection from Beoley Parish Council against this application".

Dr David Young, the agent acting on behalf of the KRS, said: "The applicant is a family business which has been operating the same processes at an existing site in Birmingham for over 40 years.

"They have had no compliance issues over decades of operation and therefore have a demonstrable track record.

"Contrary to false information which has been circulated, the operator is not being forced to leave their existing site".

Councillor Matt Dormer said the plan was a "backwards step" for Redditch and Worcestershire as a whole.

He said: "I am absolutely against this application. I think it has too much of a detrimental impact to people's lives that live in the vicinity.

He added that by approving the application, it would set a "very dangerous precedent" by allowing waste recycling on an industrial estate so close to houses and a kidney dialysis centre.

A total of eleven councillors voted in favour of the recommendation to approve the application, with one voting against the motion.

Following the meeting, MP Rachel Maclean said: “I know residents will be angry that this planning application was approved. There was significant opposition to this proposal, including more than 600 letters of objection.

"Understandably they will feel like they have not been listened to.

“Although MPs do not have a formal role in the planning process, I did write to the county council’s planning committee to object to this application and to raise residents’ valid concerns.

“My role now will be to hold the county council to account and ensure the planning conditions imposed as part of the approval are enforced. If they’re not I am prepared to take the necessary action.”