PLANS to develop a waste station in the heart of a residential area have been described as ‘pathetic’ and ‘illogical’ by residents.

Members of the Bradley community, in Nelson, fear the planned expansion of the waste transfer station, in Fleet Street, will lead to an increase in noise and foul smells as well as creating danger on the roads.

More than 450 residents have signed a petition against the proposed redevelopment, which they intend to hand to councillors at the Nelson Committee meeting on December 1.

But Pendle Council officers say the redevelopment will benefit people.

The station currently processes 9,000 tonnes of waste per year, but the plan is to increase this to 45,000 tonnes and include household waste.

Heavy Goods Vehicles will be required to transport the waste in and out of the depot. Diane Brierley, 47, of Charles Street, who has lived in the area for 17 years with her husband and son, said there was only 16ft between her back gate and the depot.

She added: “They have already admitted there will be traffic chaos. There will be big wagons coming in and out and nowhere for kids to play.The road has collapsed once this year already.”

However, council bosses said the application is for an ‘upgrade’ which will bring ‘major improvements’.

Ian McInery, head of operational services, said: “At the moment, the household waste we bring to the site is left in the open air.

“Under the new system, as soon as it arrives at the depot, it will be loaded into containers in a self-contained building and transported in bulk to a disposal site the same day.

“The new system will eliminate odour and the risk of rodents. It will also help to reduce our carbon footprint as fewer journeys will need to be made to disposal sites.“ But town councillor Sajid Ali, vowed to fight the plans.

He said: “Why does it have to be in the middle of a populated residential area?

"We are against it and intend to lobby councillors to reject this ridiculous proposal and live to the Pendle Council values of ‘Putting People First.’ ”