Recycling plant battle

BY CAROLYN THOMAS

The dream of clean country living could soon be over for Kumeu resident Chris Dunn if a proposed industrial recycling plant goes ahead.

He’s worried about increased noise, pollution and traffic at the Access Rd site next door.

Mr Dunn says it’s not good enough that the Rodney District Council may not even publicly notify the resource consent.

"It could get pushed through without consulting residents. It would be a disaster for the area."

The Kumeu-Huapai Residents Society secretary represents about 80 families awaiting the council’s decision.

"We want to make a submission. The council can still turn it down but at least we get a say."

The site is owned by Fletcher Building and its subsidiary The Laminex Group, which operated there until last June.

Mr Dunn says the particle board factory was bad enough.

"It broke noise and pollution levels on a regular basis. But it’s going to be even noisier there with building material being crushed."

He fears processed debris would include concrete.

"Air pollution and dust from concrete cutting could have a catastrophic effect."

Homes, an early childhood centre, a vineyard, school and recreational spaces surround the site.

Mr Dunn supports economic growth but not to the detriment of the area’s character.

"We want to see more jobs, but the whole point of living out here is that it’s a lovely place."

The proposed plant would employ up to 25 people.

He says heavy trucks could operate at night despite activity being proposed from 7am to 6pm. Mr Dunn says the group is prepared to legally challenge the council.

The issue follows the council’s proposed commercial and industrial rezoning of the triangle between Access and Station roads last year.

Resource consents manager Ian Dobson says an application from Fletcher-owned Winstone Aggregates is being assessed.

Noise, traffic, air pollution and the area’s character will be looked at when making a decision on public notification, Mr Dobson says.

"The current zoning is specific for a particle board factory. We have to ascertain that effects will be the same or no more than that."

Contact Mr Dunn by email at dunnch@xtra.co.nz or on 412-7355.

The issue will be discussed at the Kumeu Huapai Residents Society meeting on February 9 at the Kumeu Community Centre at 7.30pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News