A COACH full of protesters is set to descend on County Hall tomorrow to oppose controversial plans for a truck stop.
An outline application by JD Owen Transport Services for a secure truck parking site on agricultural land off Crossways Road, Caerwys, is due to be discussed at a Flintshire Council planning committee meeting.
Scores of letters of objection have been submitted and more than 700 names have been gathered on a petition against the plans.
Caerwys town councillor Mike Moriarty, of the STAG 31 action group, said: “We do not want this facility in this location. It started four years ago and the community has been fighting ever since.
“We have got an application granted to have another site 500 metres away, it is ridiculous. We are hoping councillors will hear our protest.”
Town councillors say the truck stop will increase traffic on Caerwys Hill and around the town.
They have also raised fears about the potential pollution risk and impact on wildlife.
In May the application had been due to go before Flintshire Council’s planning committee where it had been recommended for refusal before the it was withdrawn.
In the same month an application for a 20-truck stop by Peter Davies was granted on appeal at a public inquiry after being refused by Flintshire Council.
The facility at Park View Garage, Crossways off Junction 31 on the A55, will feature overnight and washing facilities and toilets.
Cllr Moriarty added: “There is a coach departing from Caerwys before the meeting on Wednesday.
“We are hoping for as many people as possible so councillors can see the strength of opposition.”
Caerwys resident Berwyn Roberts said: “The feeling in Caerwys is strongly against the application.
“The main reason for objection is that the plan is for a greenfield site. There are brownfield sites in the county. There is no need for another truck stop here.”
Planning officers have recommended refusal for the application but members of the committee will have the final say.
JD Owen Transport Services owner Dai Owen said: “We’ve done what the regulations require and can’t do anymore. We’ve got people from Caerwys who are objection but there is nothing to object about.
“My secure truck stop will prevent thefts from HGVs and give truck drivers who have been driving for hours at a time a place of rest.”