by Ken Skates

COUNCIL planners want to throw out the £48 million plans to build a controversial 350ft chimney at Castle Cement's Padeswood plant.

They suggest Flintshire councillors should block the development that has caused a major outcry across the region.

But their reasoning is not on health grounds which is the basis for more than 2,000 people and large organisations opposing the scheme.

Planning officers recommend the application be rejected due to the visual impact the chimney will have on the surrounding landscape.

Secretary of the Campaign Against the New Kiln, Chris Hall, said the group is delighted by the recommendation although it will be up to the councillors themselves to decide the scheme's fate during the meeting at County Hall, Mold next week.

Buckley councillor Arnold Wooley said the recommendation was a small step, but one which should be welcomed.

But he added: "A great deal of medical evidence has been ignored in the officer's report which is wrong as this is where the strongest area for refusal lies."

In a report to councillors, officers state the visual impact of the proposed development near Buckley would be too great.

The report states: 'The tower and associated chimney would be seen from a wide area of surrounding countryside, including parts of the Clwyd range , an area of outstanding natural beauty.

'The height of the tower would form an unacceptable visual intrusion into the landscape and create an impact in their own right.'

Members are to decide on the plans next Wenesday.

The recommendation will come as a blow to Castle Cement, which was due to make a formal response once they have received a copy of the report.

Their plans consist of a £48 m kiln that would burn alternative sources of fuel such as plastic, as well as a major overhaul of the site's buildings.

The future of the facility has been pinned on the new kiln and it is not known what would happen to employees if councillors throw the plan out.

Castle Cement manager Tony Allan said: ' We were pleased to note the officers' report considered any concern over health could not be substantiated as a reason for refusal.

"It is up to the councillors now to recognise the overall environmental benefits of what we are proposing and vote positively for the future of the works and it's jobs."