A CONCERNED resident is objecting to plans for an air separation plant in Alloa.

Proposals for the air separation plant and associated infrastructure, to be built on vacant land by the O-I glassworks, were lodged with Clacks Council last month after a 12-week consultation process.

The plans for the plant by industrial gases company Air Products have since drawn one objection from a resident, who is concerned over potential noise and fears the value of their property will decrease.

While a noise assessment commissioned by the company concluded that the site would typically have a low noise impact during both day and night, the resident was critical of the measurements taken.

In a written objection, the Munro Place householder said: “The noise measure was taken at Keverkae which is further away from the proposal.

“The measures were taken when trees were in full bloom and not during winter.

“There are already too many lorries going back and forward behind our properties.

“We already have issues with O-I with the amount of sand in the air that lands on our properties and cars.

“This factory should not be allowed to be [built] so near residential properties.

“Noise levels here are already too high due to glassworks which go 24/7.”

As highlighted in the Advertiser last July, the proposed plant would separate air onto oxygen, nitrogen and argon.

The glassworks would be a primary customer but the plant would also serve hospitals and other manufacturers.

The plant could create 10 permanent jobs while the company said it will also offer internships and apprenticeships.

In a design and access statement, it was stressed there will be no harmful emissions from the site, the only ones being water vapour and unprocessed air going back into the environment.

Before becoming vacant in 2016, the land where the plant could be built used to host a large gas holder for the glassworks.

If given the go ahead, it could take around a year to build the air separation plant.

As it is located right by the Forth, large components would be transported via the river, delivered on barges from Grangemouth docks and craned onto the site.

However, the objecting resident said: “Another factory will decrease the value of our property. Who will pay the difference?”

They added: “The back of our houses is an eyesore as it is due to the council not maintaining the trees and fences, another factory will be the last straw.”

The plans are available under 22/00012/FULL.