Ecocem is appealing the decision by a US local authority to refuse the Irish cement manufacturer permission to construct a EUR45m (US$47.5m) grinding plant in San Francisco Bay.

The planning commission in Vallejo, California, recently refused Ecocem’s subsidiary, Orcem Americas, permission to build on the city’s waterfront based on environmental concerns including increased traffic and pollution.

The Irish Times reported on Friday that Orcem has since lodged an appeal with Vallejo city council challenging the refusal on a number of grounds, claiming that the commission relied on “subjective and arbitrary judgements,” in reaching its conclusion.

The producer is also seeking that Vallejo city council overturn a decision by the local architectural heritage and landmarks commission designating six buildings on the proposed site as historic.