PLANS to build a factory to crush over 100,000 tonnes of rubble every year has been met with anger by residents who fear it would result in noise, dust and traffic chaos.

Last year Essex County Council launched a strategy to increase the amount of rubble and building waste the area recycles so as to cut down on the amount being dumped in to landfill sites and provide more material for building projects.

Across the county, landowners made bids for their property to be used for recycling, transport or mineral extraction sites.

One of the sites shortlisted by the council is Weald Hall Farm, in Weald Hall Lane ,Thornwood, where there are plans to set up a rubble recycling plant that would process thousands of tonnes of building waste and rubble every year.

From August 25 residents will be able to submit their views on the plans to the council as part of a consultation process, but residents have already voiced their concerns.

Sohal Parkash is the owner of the Weald Hall Residential Home, a care home which currently houses 39 elderly residents.

The home is located in Weald Hall Lane, the narrow country road which leads up to the site of the proposed factory.

Mr Parkash said: “What is important to me is my residents’ comfort. They come to us for tranquillity.

“Trucks using the road will cause problems. In the winter the road is almost inaccessible.

“It is narrow and cars would not be able to get round oncoming trucks. It could cause accidents.

“If we have a nagging noise all of the time from the plant that would not help people with dementia.”

Fiona Daniels, 46, lives in Brookfields, at the bottom of Weald Hall Lane.

She said: “I do not think Weald Hall Lane can take it. There are often cars parked right on the corner as you enter the road. Lorries would not be able to get past.

“I also don’t think people would like all of the extra dust.”

Click here to follow the Epping Forest Guardian on Twitter