Decision on asphalt permit deferred

The Isle of Wight council’s Regulatory Committee considered an application for an asphalt permit by Eurovia Roadstone Limited this morning.

East Cowes resident Julia Hill, who has been campaigning against the proposed asphalt plant, attended the meeting and was able to feedback the outcome to OnTheWight.

Readers will remember that the Environmental Health department had recommended the application be approved, however, Julia told us that all members of the committee were unhappy with a lack of information provided and have deferred any decision on the application.

High rates of childhood asthma
They stated their concern that “Asthma rates amongst East Cowes and Cowes 5-15 year olds are approximately 39% higher than the national average” and called for a minimum of three months of air quality monitoring in the Medina area.

Once those measurements have been returned, it’s possible that air quality monitoring would have to continue for a further three months, making any decision on the permit a possible six months off.

Image: David McNeary under CC BY 2.0