CONTROVERSIAL plans for a lithium chloride plant in Basingstoke close to homes have approved, despite more than 60 objections.

Vail Williams LLP, a UK property consultancy, submitted the planning application on behalf of Leverton Clarke Ltd for the change of use of St Modwen Park, in Jays Close, Viables, for the production of lithium chloride, used to make lithium metals.

The proposal received strong objections from residents, with 66 people expressing their concerns about the plant. Reasons for objecting ranged from worries about 'dangerous fumes' to 'increased work and noise'.

Olivia Ross commented on the application, saying: "I think it is a high risk to local residents to have these types of chemicals so close to homes and schools where hundreds of children attend daily."

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."

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During a development control committee meeting on Wednesday, August 7, resident Lorraine England said: "There are other places in the UK where people live close to chemical plans, but, in many of these places, the plant came first and the houses followed, giving people choice as to where they choose to live.

"We are not being given that choice. To place a chemical production plant so close to a local community and a main arterial highway does not seem a sensible decision and we ask that the application is denied, and a more isolated location be developed."

Speaking in support on behalf of the applicant, Steven Patty said the business has an 'unblemished safety record' and has developed a 'world-leading technical expertise in processing lithium compounds safely'.

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He added that the company has three other locations in the town, one of which, located in Sherrington Way is 'closer in proximity in residents to the proposed site' with 'no complaints received about those operations'.

Ward councillor for Eastrop and Grove, John McKay, asked that the committee give 'due consideration to people who want to go about their daily lives knowing that their health and safety is not going to be adversely affected by this operation'.

Cllr Mike Bound said as councillors they can't base decisions on 'fears of what might happen in the future', moving the application for approval.

The committee decided to approve the application with conditions including no production of lithium batteries at the site and restricted operating hours.