I AM writing concerning the planning inquiry into the proposed new chimney at Mayfield Farm, Hopwood, which finished last week.

If granted, the owner proposes to diversify the farm into a rendering plant with a thermal oxidiser and chimney, processing tons of animal waste on a daily basis.

At the 11th hour, Worcestershire County Council decided it could not contest the case and left the residents high and dry.

Jeremy Roberts, on behalf of Hopwood Against Rendering Movement (HARM) and Councillor Brian Fuller did their best against a QC.

As Mr Fuller put it, "rather like Hopwood FC versus Real Madrid".

If this rendering plant goes ahead, the whole region surrounding Hopwood, including Barnt Green and Alvechurch, will be subject to pollution spilling out of the chimney.

There will be about 1,000kg of waste material per month, some of which can react with the skin, hair and be ingested into the lungs - particularly dangerous for asthma sufferers and children.

Hopwood has its own micro climate as it is in a bowl with a canal and lakes and surrounded by hills. Some of the houses are higher than the proposed 17m chimney.

An expert witness gave evidence of dispersal of the chimney waste based on weather conditions at Birmingham Airport 18 miles away. Are we right to be worried? I think so.

Isla Davies

The Drive

Hopwood