Council cancels permit for Massachusetts cement plant

Officials in Attleboro, Massachusetts, USA, have rescinded a permit given to Attleboro Sand & Gravel to allow it to develop a cement plant.

Local newspaper the Sun Chronicle reports that the zoning board of appeals ruled that the plant is not allowed in the industrial business park zone where the company's 180-acre property is located.

Attleboro Sand & Gravel, which is owned by Massachusetts construction firm the Lorusso Coporation, had argued that since they had previously produced cement at the site they should be allowed to do so in future. However, the appeals board rejected this argument, noting that cement production had lapsed for more than two years.

Local residents brought objections to the permit as they feared they would be affected by increased noise and dust.