CAMPAIGNERS battling to stop a £2.3 million asphalt plant being built by the River Medina say they have confirmed the proposed facility would be permanent.
They say the Isle of Wight Council has said the plant would not just be for the 25-year duration of the Island’s roads PFI project.
Now, they hope the government will order a full assessment of the environmental impact of the scheme before deciding whether it can be given the final go-ahead.
The council told the Isle of Wight County Press it had confirmed with the plant’s developers, Eurovia Roadstone, part of the Vinci Group and the winning PFI bidders, the proposed scheme was for a permanent facility at Medina Wharf, Cowes.
However, a spokesman said there was no significant difference between the application being made for 25 years or permanently.
Julia Hill, spokesperson for the campaign group, Wight Residents Against Asphalt Plant (WRAP) said: "It is remarkable the clarification of the length of permission was not sought by the council in March, at the time of the screening for the environmental impact assessment (EIA).
"Given the EIA screening option was based on the temporary use of the land, WRAP feel the secretary of state should have no option but to order an environmental statement."
She said East Cowes Town Council had organised a public forum with Eurovia, due be held on Tuesday, August 7, at 6.30pm in East Cowes Town Hall when the public could ask questions.
Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk