DOZENS of residents have objected to plans to develop a lithium chloride plant in Basingstoke expressing fears that the proposed site is too close to homes and could produce "toxic chemicals".

Lithium Chloride is used for the production of lithium metal, often used in vehicle parts.

Vail Williams LLP, a UK property consultancy, has submitted a planning application to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for the change of use of St Modwen Park, in Jays Close, Viables. 

The proposal is for a plant for the production of lithium chloride and works including a vehicular tanker offloading shelter and various other things including an electrical distribution and control room kiosk.

Basingstoke Gazette: St. Mowden Park

READ MORE: St Modwen Park, Basingstoke: Plan for lithium chloride plant

The council has now published comments from residents with dozens of them objecting to the plans calling it 'terrifying, not appropriate and concerning'.

Lilousha Pleban commented on the application and said the plan "terrifies" her.

She said: "We live a few hundred meters from the site and the risks and mitigations to public and residential safety are not outlined in enough detail to make me feel even remotely comfortable with this application. I fiercely oppose."

Her view was shared by many other residents who object, sharing concerns that the site is too close to their homes and could produce "toxic materials".

Lorraine Dolby commented: "I object to a chemical plant, which uses toxic materials harmful to human health, being situated in a busy, vibrant residential area and near to occupied office buildings."

John Ward shared the same view and said: "I am extremely concerned by the possibility of harmful chemicals being released into the local environment and causing long-lasting damage. I have two children and we live extremely close to the unit."

Further objections were raised by Sophie Durham who said that there are "clear concerns regarding the possibility of additional noise and odour from the site".

She also said she is concerned that the developed, if given the go-ahead, would have an impact on house prices in the area.

Arturs Lapins said the development should be "built outside residential areas" and said he "does not want his children exposed" to the site which is "potentially toxic to everyone".

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The application states that the proposed development utilises the existing building, known as Unit 1, is close to the M3 and proposes the construction of a plant.

The report says that the erection of the plant would not interfere with the woodland that is adjacent to the site or other trees in the area.

In the proposal, Vail Williams LLP states that the "development enables" an employer to "operate successfully in the area" and "should be approved without delay".

The report concludes that the proposed development is "not considered to have a negative impact" on the area that is currently "enjoyed by neighbouring uses."

To find out more about the application visit basingstoke.gov.uk/view-planning-applications and use the application number 23/01869/FUL.