Somerset planners hit back in row over asbestos dumping near Chew Valley Lake

Personal Injury Somerset Planners have defended their decision to approve plans for an asbestos dumping ground near Chew Valley Lake, despite concerns about health risks. Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee approved the proposals, that will see up to 645,000 tonnes of asbestos dumped at Stowey Quarry near Bishop Stutton, in July. Residents, Bristol Water and parish councillors had all opposed the plans, and a campaign has now been launched calling for the decision to be reversed. Locals are concerned that the burying of asbestos near the lake could contaminate Bristol and the surrounding area’s water supply. A protest rally against the development is due to take place tomorrow at 3.30pm at Chew Lake, organised by the Stop Stowey Quarry Asbestos Landfill group. But the council says independent research has shown the risk of asbestos contaminating the water supply is “negligible”. Council spokesman James Hinchcliffe said: “The Environment Agency was fully consulted on the planning application and had no objections. “We were therefore satisfied that the potential impacts of the proposal on the environment had been fully considered and a refusal of planning permission on these grounds would not have been justified. “The comments raised by Bristol Water led to additional work being undertaken by an independent hydrogeologist and their findings were reviewed by a hydrogeologist from another company. “Both reached the same conclusion that the risk to water pollution was considered to be negligible.” Mr Hinchcliffe also pointed out that the majority of the asbestos proposed to be landfilled at Stowey is white asbestos. This is cement bonded asbestos which is still found in many water tanks, pipes, building cladding and roofing which is still commonplace in the environment. The planning committee approved the proposals by the narrowest of margins – just one vote. Six councillors were in favour, five were against and one abstained. The Stop Stowey Quarry Asbestos Landfill group is still concerned about the potential risk though. A spokesperson for the group said: “In a dump of this size it will be hard to monitor what hazardous waste is deposited and there is a fear that soluble waste could leach into the water supply.” Bristol Water has conceded that the matter is now out of its hands. A spokesman said: “We were disappointed with the planning decision but it has been made. We have made our concerns very clear to all those involved, including the Environment Agency.” source: thisissomerset.co.uk