An area of Lordswood is set to be a dumping ground for asbestos.

It has been reported the Planning Inspectorate has upheld an appeal to build an asbestos transfer station, near a school and playground, in North Dane Way.

Last year, people flocked to the area in protest of the plans put forward by Medway firm Asbestos First, and the application was turned down by councillors.

The refusal came after the council received 338 letters, 454 postcards and six petitions opposing the build.

But the firm's owners Debbie and David Hales appealed the decision with government planning inspectors and it has been upheld.

Labour PPC for Chatham Tristan Osborne said today: "I am very disappointed.

"The independent campaign that was backed on a cross-party basis collected hundreds of signatures and dozens of objections. It remains the belief of the large majority of the community that this transfer station is not suited to this residential location.

"Whilst this decision has been made in consultation with lawyers I think the community will feel let down that there wishes have been rode roughshod over."

But Mr and Mrs Hales insist the site, which will accept up to 70 tonnes a week of waste asbestos, would benefit the community because there are so few places to dispose of the cancer-causing building material.

At the time the appeal was lodged, Mrs Hales said: "It has got to be done. It is a necessary evil. Without guys like mine who make the stuff safe, where does it go?"

The material is to be double-bagged and stored in locked skips at the former gritting depot before being moved to larger tips elsewhere.

For the full story and reaction, see Friday's Medway Messenger.

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