WRC Recycling has lodged papers with the council to swap the current base in Johnstone’s Floors Street for a new unit in Inchinnan’s Newmains Avenue.

And Renfrewshire Council has been swamped with objections to the proposals, with nearly 500 letters of objection and a petition being submitted.

Council documents seen by The Gazette show that, as well as the petition, 479 letters have been sent to Renfrewshire House.

Some residents object to the new premises on the basis that “the site is unsuitable for such an operation”, while others have cited “possible environmental impacts”.

Those worried about the impact the WRC project would have on the environment believe that residents in Inchinnan, Erskine, Renfrew and Glasgow Airport could be affected, as well as local businesses in the medical and food industries.

Another worry for objectors is that support roads and the site may become littered with waste and fear possible dumping around the site.

WRC has long been a source of frustration for Johnstone residents, with the plant being responsible for locals’ homes being plagued by flies.

And in January last year dozens of residents had to be evacuated from their homes after fierce flames ripped through the complex.

The chance of history repeating, should WRC get their much-anticipated cross-county move, is another bugbear for those opposed to the development.

Council papers show that some have objected on the basis that the environmental impact of a fire on the premises, with “possible toxic fumes”, could cause disruption of nearby businesses and homes.

Others cite the fact that “emergency services struggled with the ferocity of a “plastic fire” in the past, while others are worried about “infestations of vermin and insects and smells”.

Organisations are also opposed to the move, with Inchinnan Community Council stating its members do not support the plans.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has no qualms with WRC swapping Johnstone for Inchinnan, while the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the council’s traffic department had yet to inform the council of any objection when the documents were drafted.

The council’s director of community resources recommended that no decision be taken on WRC’s application until a noise assessment has been carried out, SEPA have been consulted, and pest and noise management plans have been created. There is also one organisation that supports WRC’s move out of Johnstone – the town’s community council.

They have given “qualified support” to the proposals, but have stated that the operation should be closely monitored and pointed out WRC’s potential to expand the operation.

The details were contained in a handling report which was due to be discussed by councillors at the planning and property policy board yesterday (Tuesday).

At the meeting, taking place after The Gazette went to press, councillors were expected to vote that they should decide if the application is given the go-ahead, rather than council officers.