HOMEOWNERS near a new asbestos waste plant should get compensation for the impact it will have on their lives, according to councillors.

An application for a waste plant on Basildon's Burnt Mills industrial estate, which will include the treatment of asbestos, was approved by Essex County Council last month.

Angry residents, who live just yards from the site, are concerned about the smell and smoke being produced by waste plants in the area.

The latest facility will be built on land off Hovefields Court, close to an existing waste processing plant in Courtauld Road.

During a Basildon Council meeting next week, Ukip councillor for Pitsea North West, Gary Canham, will call for the county council to compensate homes in Hovefields Avenue.

The road is on the opposite side of the A127 to the plants.

Danny Copeland, 73, who has lived in Hovefields Avenue for more than 50 years, said: “Even if I wanted to move, I couldn’t afford to.

“We get the smoke coming in our direction from across the road all the time and it is horrendous - it billows out 24 hours a day.

“It is having a huge impact on us, but of course if we could get compensation it would be great.”

The Hovefields Court site will treat up to 70,000 tonnes of commercial, industrial and household waste per year, as well as 5,000 tonnes of asbestos waste.

Mr Canham’s motion calls on Basildon Council to “exert pressure” on the county council to review the “detrimental cumulative impact” of the plants on Hovefields Avenue residents.

He also wanted a consultation to be carried out with residents on their quality of life, and for work to be done to provide alternative homes or compensation.

Linda Allport-Hodge, Ukip group leader, said: “If Basildon is going to be lumbered with all these waste plants, we should be getting something in return.

“We should be getting more from Essex County Council for services in Basildon, as at the moment they are getting away with blue murder.”