The chief executive of a council has admitted an infant school close to the proposed site of a controversial waste dump was not given a chance to have its say.

Alan McCarthy, of Brighton and Hove City Council, wrote to Downs Infant School in Hollingdean, Brighton, saying it had failed to consult the school initially.

His letter to Rachel Attwell, chairwoman of governors, said: "The Local Education Authority (LEA) was consulted originally on the Waste Local Plan, which included the identification of Hollingdean Depot for a Waste Transfer and Materials Recycling Facility, and raised no objections. I accept they were not initially consulted on the detailed proposals for the development, but became involved as soon as concerns started to be raised by the school and have kept in close touch with developments ever since."

Waste contractor Onyx has applied to build a recycling and waste transfer plant in Hollingdean Lane, Brighton, which would be adjacent to the school's playground.

Governors and parents of children at the school are fighting the plans as are thousands of residents. A Dump the Dump campaign group has been formed by residents who do not want the £10 million facility in the city.

They say it will generate pollution from waste and the increase in lorries using the site, which will be adjacent to the council's Cityclean refuse depot.

Ms Attwell said school governors were angry they had not been consulted on the planning application but claimed the council had said consultation had taken place.

She said: "One of the issues I have wanted to raise was the lack of consultation we have been proffered. The LEA was consulted on the Waste Local Plan and residents did not object. I understand they were not on the detailed proposals for the development."

Ms Attwell said her issue was not a personal one with Mr McCarthy but with the lack of consultation by the council as a body.

She said: "I applaud Mr McCarthy for admitting the school was not consulted. I will not let it rest. We will carry on opposing this."

Mr McCarthy continued in his letter: "Obviously the LEA and the council generally will need to be satisfied that there are no potential health risks to the children. As part of the planning determination, the Environment Directorate has commissioned an independent assessment from the Director of Public Health."

Onyx has decided it may go back to the drawing board after its proposals sparked such opposition. The company is considering withdrawing its application and replacing it with a new one which it hopes would be more acceptable to residents.