A metal recycling company that was refused permission to expand the usage of its yard has had its appeal quashed by a Planning Inspector.

ASM Recycling, in Railway Terrace, Kings Langley, has been at the centre of numerous planning proposals and appeals as owners have sought to extend and enlarge its usage, much to the distress of local residents.

Following a heated, five-day appeal at the beginning of October, with representations from residents, local MPs and a group that seeks to decrease the number of HGVs on the road known as the C76 group, the Planning Inspector refused ASM’s expansion application last Wednesday.

John Camp, a Hertfordshire County Council representative, said: “The county council refused the application on the grounds that it would be an inappropriate development in the Green Belt, which would result in substantial harm and reduced openness.

“The proposal would also adversely affect the local environment and local residents, due in particular to unacceptable noise levels.

“We are happy with the Inspector’s decision, which supported most of the council’s reasons for refusal.”

For the past two years, metal waste has been recovered, collected and organised on the site and the company had hoped to appeal against the council's decision to refuse its proposals.

Seeking permission to increase the number of lorries entering and exiting the plant to 60 a day, meaning there would be about six lorries per hour travelling along the road, ASM Recycling also appealed to expand the usage of the yard by erecting a depollution building on the site, which falls within the Green Belt.

The company further proposed to build a four-metre security fence around the yard - not in keeping with the Green Belt.

Anne Main MP, who has been working with residents affected by ASM’s recycling plans and spoke at the Planning appeal, said: “This is the right result.

“I spoke out at the planning appeal into this application, as this Green Belt site has recently given rise to an intensification of use and noise, causing considerable disturbance to local residents.

“This is an extremely busy and dangerous stretch of road and residents have been concerned about increased industrial traffic and noise in the area for some time.

“This project would have only added to the problems which local residents have been working hard to overcome.”

Helen Lehrle, chairwoman of the C76 group, said “This is a fantastic victory for the residents.

"They will be free to enjoy all the things they moved to the area for, without the fear of overwhelming noise, pollution and the risks caused by increased numbers of HGVs on a minor road.

"We are pleased that common-sense has prevailed and ASM can now relocate to a more appropriate industrial location that is better suited to their needs”.