PLANS to build a massive indoor recycling plant in Brierley Hill look set to be rejected by council planners.

Clean Power's revised bid to build a state-of-the-art energy conversion centre on old railway sidings off Moor Street is due to go before Dudley's development control committee next Monday (December 22).

But the proposal has been recommended for refusal by borough planning officers.

A report to the committee calls for the scheme, which has met with strong opposition in Brierley Hill, to be thrown out as it would be located within 20 metres of existing homes.

The report states: "There is a likelihood that the amenity enjoyed by the occupiers of those dwellings could be adversely affected by odour associated with the proposed waste operation, and as such the site is not considered to be an appropriate location for the proposed use."

It adds that despite amendments to the original plan, which was turned down by the council in August 2013, "there are insurmountable issues relating to residential amenity that have not been satisfactorily resolved to demonstrate that the scheme would result in the creation of a sustainable form of development".

Clean Power bosses say the facility would create 30 new jobs, generate power for up to 10,000 homes and help to prevent land-filling and waste-burning.

And they have stressed an advanced internal airlock system would fully seal the plant and prevent odours from escaping.

A spokesman added: "Our proposals incorporate all of the best techniques and technologies for controlling odours and other impacts, and we have worked hard to answer all of the questions asked by local residents, councillors and officers on this issue."

However - on top of concerns about noise and odour - residents remain worried about the risk of a possible explosion or of slurry escaping from the centre.

They have also expressed fears about traffic problems that could be created.

Tim Lee, spokesman for the Say No tO the Waste site' campaign, said: "We're obviously pleased the officers have recommended refusal.

"We think the strength of the case, in particular as the Environment Agency has opposed the plan, is probably greater than first time round."

The planning meeting will be held in the council chamber at Dudley Council House at 6pm.

Mr Lee said nearly 1,000 residents have written to the local authority objecting to the plan and he added: "We're expecting there will be a good turnout of residents."