A Co Tipperary company using worms to make compost may have to dismantle its facilities following a ruling by An Bord Pleanála.
The board has refused an appeal by Shannon Vermicomposting Ltd, which had sought permission to retain and build new structures on its site at Coolross, Rathcabbin and Roscrea.
Permission for the retention and completion of a waste material reception and mixing bay area for the processing of organic and domestic waste into vermicompost had already been refused by North Tipperary County Council last August.
The company has been refused permission for the retention of timber fencing, hardcore areas, concrete roadway and a weighbridge and is not being allowed proceed with the construction of 11 mushroom/vermicomposting tunnels, underground leachate tanks, a canteen, office and other facilities. The board ruled that having regard to the nature and scale of the proposed waste facility, the development would constitute an unacceptable risk of pollution which would seriously injure the amenities in the area.
It said the site was close to residential properties and pointed out that there was an appeal with respect to the likely odour emission from the plant and the protection of groundwater.
The site was accessed from a minor road, which was seriously substandard in structure.
The board ruled that the proposed development would create a traffic hazard.