And residents of Bispham Avenue, Thornton Drive and Fylde Avenue say work so far on the imposing Lancashire Waste Technology Park has already lived up to their worst fears.

The facility, being built by Global Renewables in partnership with Lancashire County Council, is on the former Leyland Trucks test track site and will be the size of 14 football pitches. It is set to be operational by the summer of 2010.

Residents Against Waste Site (RAWS) fought the scheme, only admitting defeat in 2007 when they lost a judicial review against LCC's decision to approve the scheme.

Now, they say, the consequences of that defeat are hitting home.

Pensioners Eileen and Ron Oates have lived in Bispham Avenue for more than 32 years and say they're devastated about the impact the building has had on their home.

Mrs Oates said: "We used to enjoy views over Winter Hill and to Brinscall but now all we can see is a great big monstrosity.

"We have been promised trees will be planted to camouflage the buildings, but the structure goes right up to the boundary so there won't be room to plant them."

The waste plant will be the size of 14 football pitches and will accept waste from across Lancashire.

Mother-of-two Sue McDonough has lived in Bispham Avenue for 14 years and said she was surprised at how quickly the building had gone up, adding: "My own view is that this is the wrong location for it."

Farington East councillor Mike Otter of South Ribble Council, has been helping residents trying to get compensation. He said: "The residents have a good argument but nobody seems to be listening."

A joint statement from Global Renewables and LCC said: "In order to mitigate for the visual impacts of the waste facility, a number of features were included within the design.

"We are also working with local residents to provide additional screening onto the existing mound adjacent to the River Lostock, with the goodwill of the landowner.

"Community meetings hosted by Lancashire County Council and Global Renewables are a chance for residents to raise concerns and receive updates on the progress of the facility. We do our best to answer questions and take action to address concerns whenever possible."

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