A CONCRETE plant in Woolston built without planning permission could be torn down after a retrospective application to have the scheme approved was rejected.

Work to build the plant plus silos and storage off Bridge Lane began in April last year without planning permission being given by Warrington Borough Council.

Stoke-based Mincrete Ltd has sought retrospective permission for the construction, which has not yet been completed.

A number of residents - including Woolston parish councillor David Nowell - objected to the application due to concerns over traffic, pollution and noise levels.

They described the company’s behaviour as ‘underhand and horrifying’.

And Warrington Borough Council refused retrospective planning permission for the scheme on Thursday, May 10, meaning that work already undertaken on the concrete plan could now be bulldozed.

The council stated that the application ‘lacked sufficient information’, while it also had concerns about the concrete plant’s impact on Woolston Eyes - the ‘nationally important site for wintering wildfowl’ located 50m away.

Mincrete was also criticised for stating in its application that the plant was ‘not near to a water course’, despite being less than 10m away from the Mersey.

Warrington Borough Council’s refusal said: “Dust or particles falling onto plants can physically smother the leaves, affecting photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration and leaf temperature.

“There may also be toxicity issues and potential changes in pH.

“Further information is therefore requested in relation to dust management.

“A water recycling system needs to be put in place.

“Noise and visual disturbance to the site of special scientific interest’s birds also needs to be taken into account.”