AN action group has pledged to fight an appeal to build an eco-home on a site near to a former asbestos factory in Hebden Bridge.
The Legacy of Acre Mill Group formed to fight plans to build on a car park across the road from the old Cape Asbestos plant, which was based at Acre Mill in Old Town from 1939 to 1971.
The plan was turned down, but now a public inquiry could be he
ld after the applicants, Lyn and Christine Gledhill, of Cousin Lane, Wadsworth, lodged an appeal.
Businessman Mr Gledhill, who wants to build a sustainable three bedroom home, said: "It was turned down because the land is green belt It has nothing to do with asbestos. It's not where the mill was, it's the other side of the road."
But the Legacy of Acre Mill Group claims Cape Asbestos dumped asbestos waste on the site in the 1960s – and fears development could present a devastating health threat.
Jason Addy, an academic researcher at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: "Exposing this site and disturbing it with mechanical machinery could release significant amounts of respirable asbestos fibre.
"This site must never be forgotten for the damage it has already done to so many in the area. It is prudent and respectful to let it rest in peace."
Dozens of people are known to have died from asbestos-related conditions after exposure at the factory.
Surveys by Calderdale Council found the site still contains some asbestos, but the plans were only turned out because the site is greenfield, and lies within the green belt.
Council development manager Richard Seaman said: "There was some evidence of asbestos based materials on the site, however contamination wasn't seen as a insurmountable issue and on the advice of our environmental health service, it was concluded that this matter could have been dealt with through a planning condition, if the council had been minded to permit the application.
"Calderdale Council have received an appeal, which is being considered by an independent inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. We are now awaiting the inspector's decision."
Mr Addy said: "It is important that the planning inspectorate gets to know the facts and this has to come from the people of Hebden Bridge."
