Concerns £18m bottle cap plant on Bluebell Wood’s doorstep will shatter “serenity”

PLANNERS approved a bottle tops factory beside Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice — leading one elected member to ponder: “Are we really a caring council?”

The hospice was among several objectors but the proposals — creating 120 jobs — were passed by Rotherham Borough Council’s planning board.

Cllr Simon Tweed said: “We keep saying we are a caring council. Would a caring council put a big factory unit there that will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week?”

Dinnington will be the first UK plant for United Caps, which makes tops for drinks and dairy cartons in several countries on mainland Europe.

The site (pictured above) will include production lines, offices and two dozen 16-metre silos for plastics storage.

Dinnington ward member Cllr John Vjestica said noise and fumes were among the main concerns as 40 HGVs a day will arrive at the plant.

He added: “The neighbouring building is not another commercial, retail or industrial unit. It’s a children’s hospice. 

“At present, it’s a serene and quiet place and an ideal site for families facing challenging and difficult circumstances.

“That’s why the proximity is so crucial. The noise from the operation, with vehicles in and out, will affect the serenity.”

Cllr Tweed, a planning board member who also represents Dinnington ward, said: “We have a lot of industrial land in Dinnington that’s empty. If this development was anywhere else on it, I would be putting two hands up and welcoming the 120 jobs.”

Dinnington Town Council raised traffic concerns on the busy Todwick Road towards the Red Lion roundabout.

Chairman Cllr Dave Smith added: “We want to register our disquiet at the fact that a press release was done in July 2018 and a statement made by the leader categorically stating that this would be built. 

“We didn’t receive any notification of planning until November. I don’t think it’s a good way of doing planning.”

Board chairman Cllr Simon Sheppard responded: “The decisions are made here. The planning board is where any proposal is approved or declined. Nothing is done outside of this room.”

RMBC highways officer Ian Ferguson said: “We are aware that the roundabout is subject to significant congestion. Obviously the development will add to that but, through transportation assessments, it has been concluded that the cumulative impact of the development traffic on that junction will not be severe.”

A condition of the permission is for the factory not to exceed an increase of 5dB in background noise, as heard from Bluebell Wood.

Madeleine Oldale, the hospice’s head of communications, said: “Bluebell Wood is a home from home for over 300 families facing the toughest of times, whether they have days, weeks, months or years with their precious child.

“For many families, our hospice is the only place in South Yorkshire where they can receive the specialist care and support they need in a relaxing and homely environment.”

It was the council’s own regeneration arm RiDO which suggested the site to United Caps, which has amended its own plans to put the quieter office part nearest the hospice border.

Chris Dawkins, the firm’s agent, said: “We acknowledged from the start that being close to the hospice does present a major constraint on the scheme.

“The development can be done with minimum noise impact. We are completely committed to doing everything we can to avoid any negative impact.”

Cllr Alan Atkin told last Thursday’s meeting: “No matter what goes there, there will be construction. It’s inevitable. We can’t bring in a helicopter and just drop it in. 

“It’s just got to be done sensitively with these things. In an ideal world, we wouldn’t put anything near a hospice but I think reluctantly we have to allow it to be built.”

Fellow board member Cllr Bob Walsh added: “It was always understood that the land behind was for industrial development. The problem that the hospice faces was always there.

“Three decibels is an extremely low standard to work to and there’s 120 jobs to be had. These days, we simply can’t neglect that aspect of the proposal.”

RMBC development manager Nigel Hancock said: “The company has shown it can act as a good neighbour. 

“It recognises the sensitive use next door and is happy to accept very restrictive conditions.”

The hospice is considering triple glazed windows and trustee Richard Worth said: “We hope that’s something that United Caps will help with. 

“It could be particularly useful in the construction phase. That’s one of the real potential worries.”