Opponents of a waste-to-fuel company’s growth proposals have raised concerns that their residences are already experiencing vibrations from the steady stream of heavy vehicles passing through the valley.

Oakleaf Recycling processes waste into fuel and is seeking to boost throughput at its Cwmfelinfach facility by half its current level.

In paperwork submitted to Caerphilly County Borough Council, the company contends the development would address increasing market demand, sustain employment in the area, and supply cement manufacturers with a greener fuel alternative.

Residents from Brynawel and Wattsville assembled along Islwyn Road on Tuesday August 11 to express their disapproval of the scheme, contending that additional truck movements to and from the location would exacerbate an existing problematic situation.

Councillor Janine Reed, representing Ynysddu, stated that homeowners situated along the primary route were enduring difficulties from an unceasing volume of commercial vehicle traffic.

She noted the road surface was wearing away, resulting in substantial grooves in the carriageway and harm to traffic calming measures.

She continued that these vehicles were enormous and ought not to be using this valley route.

Her fellow ward representative, Cllr Jan Jones, observed that transport difficulties in Brynawel and Wattsville had been escalating over the past few years.

She noted that the planning submission would add fifty percent more trucks, with all of them travelling through the area, and suggested the plans showed disregard for existing residents.

Subsequently, at Wattsville FC’s facilities, approximately sixty protesters convened to share their worries regarding proposals to enlarge the site’s processing ability.

The company’s submission paperwork reveals it seeks permission to operate deliveries from five in the morning until eight in the evening, six days each week.

Brynawel resident David Platt informed those present this could mean vehicles travelling through the area during early morning hours when most residents are asleep.

Dr Platt observed that additional waste would bring increased smells and particulate matter, and that current issues already existed. He suggested local demand did not justify a fifty percent capacity increase.

He stated that data published by the company itself indicated the majority of waste arriving at the site originated from distant locations such as the capital.

He told the gathering this represented an excessive distance to transport such material.

One local resident described the noise of trucks using the main road as resembling thunder, while another mentioned being unable to enjoy their garden outdoors because of unpleasant odours.

Other villagers raised concerns about road deterioration, asserting the route was inappropriate for such heavy traffic.

Oakleaf Recycling was approached for a response.

The submission remains open for public feedback and can be examined on the Caerphilly County Borough Council website using reference 26/0482/FULL.