A council decision which rejected plans for a new composting facility in Gelligaer has been overturned at appeal.
Managers of Bryn Compost at Gelliargwellt Uchaf Farm said the successful appeal to the Planning Inspector had saved 25 local jobs and will create a further six.
Residents, according to one local councillor, have been left “gutted” at the decision.
The company had applied for planning permission to build an indoor anaerobic digestion facility at Gelligaer, after complaints its outdoor operation was causing a foul smell.
Councillors, on the recommendation of Caerphilly County Borough Council planning officers, turned down the application in December 2011 on the grounds the development was outside of the council’s Local Development Plan.
The company has claimed the new anaerobic digestion facility would help with the smell from its in vessel composting operation, although the planning application said the new facility would be in addition to its current one.
Planning Inspector Alwyn Nixon also overturned a council’s decision which sought to close down the company’s existing operation.
Labour councillor Hefin David, who represents the St Cattwg ward, said: “I spoke at the appeal to ask them to uphold the original decision to reject the plans.
“This isn’t a case of ‘not in my backyard’ – it’s the wrong type of backyard with the facility not appropriate for the location.”
Cllr David said residents will now have to find the best way to deal with the appeal. He added: “They are gutted.”
Alun Price, managing director of the Bryn Group, said the new decision had saved jobs.
He said: “It’s taken us a long time to get approval for the anaerobic digestion facility but I am very pleased the Planning Inspector agrees with us that it should go ahead. The Inspector confirmed that the plans comply fully with the council’s planning policies and also that it would meet the requirements of the Environment Agency and Countryside Council for Wales.
“The Inspector has also given us permission to permanently operate our existing Materials Recycling Facility and also to erect a new building to contain the recycling operations which will significantly improve our existing practices. The council’s previous decision to refuse the original planning application would have resulted in the closure of the facility with the loss of 25 local jobs.
“The Inspector’s decision means that 25 people’s jobs are secured, and a further six will be employed when the anaerobic digestion plant is built.
“We’ve always said that this is the best long-term solution for the site and it’s really gratifying that we’re nearly at the stage of being able to see our plans come to life.
“This will mean we’ll have a permanent and robust solution to any odour problems at the site, in addition to the economic and environmental benefits the plans bring by the continued recycling of material.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported us and helped us over the last few difficult years and I hope we’ll repay their support by doing a good job to improve our recycling operations over the many years to come.”
Caerphilly AM Jeff Cuthbert said he would be seeking assurances the facility would be managed correctly.
He said: “I have been concerned, as have the residents, about the management of the site which has resulted in powerful odours spreading across the likes of Gelligaer, Penybryn and Nelson and I will need assurances that this new development will be managed in accordance with the strictest of industrial standards.
“I note that Mr Price believes this is a long- term solution to the odour problems. However, Mr Price has had many years to resolve this problem and has failed to do so to the complete satisfaction of the Environment Agency and local people.”