Aspect Contracts has submitted a planning application to Derbyshire County Council for a 'waste transfer station', on Whitting Valley Road, Whittington Moor.

The Residents Against Asbestos Waste (RAAW) campaign wants to stop the development, fearing health problems — as three-quarters of the waste will contain asbestos — along with increased noise, glaring lights and increased road hazards from lorry movements.

Campaigner Louise Kendrick (38), whose home on Langtree Avenue overlooks the proposed site, said: "It's outrageous this is being suggested in a densely populated area close to homes and a children's playground.

"We're appalled and concerned about potential health implications and Chesterfield becoming the dumping ground for everyone's waste."

Essex-based Aspect aims to transform the former Haydon Concrete depot to store construction and demolition rubbish before moving this to landfill tips, such as Poolsbrook's Erin site, with uncontaminated waste going to recycling centres.

The company states in its application that an estimated 73 per cent of stored material would contain asbestos and the remaining 27 per cent would be non-hazardous household, construction and industrial waste.

Proposed lorry routes could include Whitting Valley Road, Whitting Hill Road, Chesterfield's ring road, the A61, the A617, the M1 motorway and Chatsworth Road.

The company claims that waste would be in enclosed, lockable containers that would be sealed at all times while not in use.

They argue the development would fulfil a waste management need – being the only one in the area – and reduce landfill. The 0.139 hectare site would be swept weekly.

An Aspect spokesperson told the Derbyshire Times: "All asbestos waste is inspected and packaged and sealed in accordance with legislation and as a result no escape of waste, dust or debris occurs."

She added that the company was aware of the stigma associated with asbestos and was happy to answer any questions

Campaigners are now circulating a petition to be presented to the council before the deadline of May 1.