A LANDOWNER is bidding to block Lancashire County Council’s attempt to buy land for a controversial waste technology park.

Plans to build the proposed East Lancashire Waste Technology Park in Huncoat have stalled because landowners Omega Atlantic say the county council is trying to take the land at “a knockdown price” of £750,00 when it is worth ‘closer to £10million’.

The firm has also put forward alternative plans for the site at the former Huncoat Power Station, which they say will provide 1,500 jobs and create less traffic than the proposed waste plant, which was granted planning permission last year.

As part of a bid to fight the compulsory purchase order placed on them by LCC, Omega Atlantic have submitted details of a mixed office, industrial and storage development to Hyndburn Borough Council.

Though not being considered as a planning application, they hope the borough council will grant them a ‘certificate’ confirming this development would have gained permission, had LCC not required the land.

If councillors agree, the certificate will be used to judge the value of the land in an upcoming planning appeal against the compulsory purchase order.

Director of Hawksmore planning specialists, Steve Fawcett, who is acting as an advisor for the company said: “Omega have objected to the compulsory purchase because Lancashire County Council have granted their own planning application for a wholly inappropriate use.

“They now say they are taking the land for a price far below its value. The alternative scheme put forward would also generate much less traffic and more jobs than a waste plant.”

Huncoat councillor Paul Gott said: “I would personally rather not see it developed at all but good luck to Omega. The fact is LCC have been judge and jury in this matter by approving their own application as they see fit.”

The plans outlined by Omega describe a mixed development accessed from Altham Lane, which they say would be better for the green belt than using a new road link from Burnley Road, as LCC plan to do.

However LCC, which is Hyndburn’s highways consultants, say this would overwhelm the local roads network. Hyndburn planning officers agree but have recommended that a certificate be issued, subject to the access being ammended to Burnley Road.

Councillors will decide whether to grant the certificate at the committee meeting on Wednesday.