A CONTROVERSIAL paint storage site at Kington labelled 'a toxic dump' by the leader of Herefordshire Council has had its development plans blocked.

The Piggery at Hergest was refused planning permission yesterday on grounds of its negative visual impact.

But councillors expressed more concern at what is contained in the storage dump left in the open at the site.

The Environment Agency (EA), which had no objection to the proposed development, came in for scathing criticism at the meeting. It was revealed no inventory was taken of chemicals stored at the site.

Cabinet member Mike Kimbery, said: "How can they come back and tell us they are safe if they don't know what's in them."

Council leader Terry James, said: "It's purely and simply a dump. It's not a recycling plant. The EA will not accept the fact that this is a waste site. These chemicals are brought there because they are unstable or out of date."