Project: The Forge, Stourport Road, Kidderminster occupies a 6.3 hectare site and was a commercial foundry until the business closed in 2001. Planning permission was granted in 2007 for change of use of The Forge to a Material Recycling Facility. When it opens in 2008 it will be one of the largest recycling facilities in Europe, capable of handling 250,000 tonnes of waste a year. Impact of the proposed MRF on an adjacent SSSI, Conservation Area, underlying aquifer and protected species were among the issues examined by the Environmental Statement (EIA Regulations 1999). The application attracted only one objection and was approved unanimously by the Planning Committee.