RESIDENTS and businesses who could suffer from the new waste transfer station's projected 'odour cloud' have slammed its potential environmental impact.

Cheshire East Council's Cledford Lane site will see waste from across the borough processed in Middlewich, and is set to open next year with work commencing later this month.

But a map published last week showing an 'odour cloud' zone has infuriated those who will be affected.

Booth Lane resident Janine MacNeil, whose house falls within the zone, said: "I am appalled, really. I am absolutely amazed and disgusted.

"We are really quite upset and distressed by what is happening.

"It would be nice if the council kept the people affected up to date. We don’t want the site, full stop."

The council's plans have involved consultation, but residents say the message on odours has been a matter of constant change.

NHS worker Nicola Keenan, who lives in the affected area and will sit on a liaison committee, said: "There was a consultation, but nothing mentioned about an odour cloud.

"It’s unbelievable. There is a definite health risk if there are chemicals in the air.

"It is unknown, but it's too close to a residential area. You can’t enjoy your outside space with a smell like that."

Cledford businesses such as Booth Lane takeaway restaurant Jasmine Palace are also located under the 'cloud', with nurseries and Cledford Primary School nearby.

Jasmine Palace owner Yak Tsang said: "It looks a bit concerning, but we will just have to take it as it comes.

"The problem is the council – it seems if they make money then that’s OK and anything goes."

In a statement last week, Cheshire East Council said that projected odour concentrations were based on a worst-case scenario prior to the installation of a 'robust, state-of-the-art' filtration system.