A BLOCK making plant could be built as part of controversial plans to remove a landmark slag heap in Wrexham.

Bersham Glenside Ltd (BGL) previously gained permission to flatten the Bersham colliery tip, near Rhostyllen, despite opposition from members of the local community who view it as an important part of the area’s industrial history.

The company initially intended to take the six million tonnes of shale away from the site, which stands next to the A483, and sell it to the construction industry.

It would have seen around 108 lorry journeys carried out to and from the 50-metre-high heap every day to take the material to another location for processing.

However, it has now outlined proposals to create a factory to make concrete building products at the site itself in order to reduce carbon emissions.

BGL said it would also bring a number of economic benefits to the area, including jobs.

In a planning statement submitted to Wrexham Council, representatives said: “The established location of the Bersham Colliery and associated land underpins its accessibility from the adjacent village and wider Wrexham area.

“This is well-established as it is maintaining a primary employment hub, initially with Bersham Colliery and more recently with the re-use of the colliery buildings and wider site for a wide range of commercial and industrial employment uses.

“The development proposals will directly increase the employment requirements at the site, both in terms of the construction of the block making plant and the operational functions of the plant.

“This significantly increases the socio-economic benefits of the reclamation of the material at the site in terms of significant and accessible employment opportunities for the local and wider population.

“There are a range of overriding purposes related to the reclamation of the spoil material, these include; direct benefits of environmental reclamation as per the extant planning permission; addressing factors related to the stability of the spoil material; and the restoration of the site for beneficial uses.”

Bersham Colliery closed down in 1986, putting 300 miners out of work.

The local authority had originally refused permission for it to be removed by BGL, but it was granted on appeal in 2010 by the Welsh Government.

Since then, concerns have been raised by community leaders about the lack of progress made at the site.

The approval was renewed in 2015 for a further period of five years despite objections from council leader Mark Pritchard, who represents the village the heap towers over.

The firm said the latest proposed development would deliver the regeneration of listed buildings and heritage related facilities in the area, whilst also claiming it would assist in creating walking and cycling links.

Representatives also revealed it could provide an added bonus by helping to improve the region’s rail network.

They said: “The Bersham site was originally a brick making site and can be developed to manufacture precast concrete building products at the site to utilise the waste materials available in the spoilt tip mound.

“In conjunction with Transport for Wales (TFW) these building materials produced at Bersham could be utilised within the Region as TFW are looking for the supply of building products for the building of the transport infrastructure.

“In working with Keolis/Amey to look at providing a Wales only solution, the Bersham site produced material is key.”

The application will be considered by the council at a later date.