Shropshire company applies for licence to make explosives

A firm has applied for a licence to manufacture explosives near Bridgnorth.

Mosaic Laboratories has already had a draft licence approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to manufacture and/or store explosives at Ditton Priors Trading Estate.

However, Shropshire Council also need to grant it, and its Licensing and Safety Sub-Committee will hear the application this Friday (May 23).

The submission to the HSE says that shaped charge warheads, research rocket motors, and pressed pellets were among the items manufactured at the site. The HSE said it visited the site and studied maps of the surrounding area to satisfy itself that Mosaic’s proposed activities fall within the safety distances required, resulting in a draft licence being issued.

However, during the 28 day consultation period, 18 representations were made. None have been withdrawn, therefore a public hearing is required to determine whether to assent to the application.

The representations received were from residents and business owners in the vicinity of the site. Concerns centred around its proximity to residential and business premises, and schools; the safety of transporting materials used and prodiced; the nature and use of the products proposed to be manufactured and whether this poses a security safety risk; and the potential toxicity of the materials used and the impact it could have on local residents.

The sub-committee will now have to satisfy itself that any local factors bearing on the safety of the operation of the site or the health and safety of members of the public havbe been considered and taken into account by the HSE in setting the draft licence conditions.