Waste station gets the green light

PLANNING permission has been granted for a waste transfer station in Worksop - despite concerns being raised about its location next to the Vesuvius site.

Councillors gave the green light to the Veolia development on Shireoaks Road at Notts County Council’s planning meeting on Tuesday.

The facility - expected to create at least three new jobs - will assess how to dispose, treat or reuse waste and is predicted to receive 46 and export 17 loads of waste per day.

County councillor Kevin Greaves and district councillor Alan Rhodes objected to the plans, saying the waste transfer station was in the ‘wrong’ place.

Coun Greaves said the development would have a ‘negative impact’ on the town for the next 20 to 30 years.

“Great steps have been taken in order to attract inward investment into Worksop. Over the next few years over 1,000 jobs will be created at the adjacent Vesuvius site,” he said.

“Hardly any jobs will be created as a result of this development.”

He added: “If the visual impact of a waste tip is not bad enough, there will be the noise, dust and smell of raw refuse and the constant noise of lorries unloading as late as 10pm - straight next door to food retailers.”

Coun Alan Rhodes added: “Residents close to the site are concerned and upset about the proposal and are worried about increased heavy traffic, fumes from the facility and the associated issues of vermin.”

But Coun Bruce Laughton said the development should go ahead.

“I am one of Veolia’s biggest critics but this is a good site and has good access,” he said.

“I believe that waste collected in Worksop should be dealt in the area it’s generated it - it’s Worksop’s responsibility.”

Veolia Environmental Services regional director Steve Mitchell said the facility would be something Worksop could be proud of and bring a redundant brownfield site back into good use.

“This is fantastic news for Veolia and the council. Not only will it create better efficiencies in waste management for Worksop but we are developing a redundant brown field site and the investment will create new jobs for local people,” he said.

“Care has been taken to ensure that the operation will not impact negatively on the environment and we are pleased that we have achieved the backing of both councillors and county officers.”