Firelighter storage site near homes in Rhosesmor awaits go-ahead

Plans to build a warehouse intended to hold up to 600 tonnes of firelighters near a residential area have been recommended for approval by council planning officers.

On Wednesday, Flintshire council will be asked to grant permission for firelighter manufacturer Tiger Tim to build a warehouse for the storage of 992 pallets of firelighters just 30m from homes on Wern Road, Rhosesmor, near Mold.

The proposal was previously deferred because of concerns over scale and safety, and the potential impact on local residents.

Tiger Tim’s planning agents, Caulmert Engineering and Environmental Planning, said measures had been taken to mitigate local people’s fears.

The warehouse will store 992 pallets, containing 600 tonnes of firelighters and barbecue lighters, for delivery to retail stores, but local residents fear any accident at the site could put them at risk of a major fire.

Currently, stock manufactured by Tiger Tim at their headquarters in Rhosesmor is stored off-site, Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

However, the company has stated, in planning documents, that the new facility will prevent stock being damaged by unsuitable storage arrangements.

Local councillor Fran Lister has raised concerns from residents about the new site.

In addition to safety issues, the Lib Dem councillor claims the new, large-scale warehouse will overlook nearby homes – with office windows directly facing bedroom and living rooms in the homes opposite.

Planning agents Caulmert Engineering and Environmental Planning said steps had been taken to ensure the site conformed with building and fire regulations.

Following the initial planning deferral, new proposals include an upgraded sprinkler system, it said.

However, concerns remain among residents over the sprinkler system’s ability to slow down a fire which they claim could contain the energy of a small power station.

“The new storage building will be a modern facility which will be required to conform with current building and fire regulations – and will necessitate a sprinkler system suitable to control a fire in relation to the size of the building, along with other fire safety controls in regard to smoke control,” said the planning agent.

The agent stated the scale of the building was necessary for the business, citing the limitations of the current site which could hold a maximum of 700 pallets – alongside Tiger Tim’s 24-hour manufacturing pattern.

The new site will also offer more modern working conditions for staff, it said.

“The size of the proposed new building is dictated by the operational requirements of the business for storage, offices, workshop and staff facilities.”