Controversial plans to site a waste recycling centre at Withyfold Drive are being recommended for approval despite objections from more than 250 residents in Macclesfield.

1st Choice Waste & Metals Ltd has applied to Cheshire East to change the use of the site from a vehicle recovery depot to a waste recycling centre for a temporary three year period.

Ward councillor Steve Carter (Macclesfield Hurdsfield, Lab) says residents believe the proposal is 'entirely inappropriate, unsafe and a danger to public health and security'.

The company wants to relocate a large proportion of its existing waste management business from 150 Moss Lane, together with the associated jobs.

The new site would deal with tipping, sorting and storage of dry, non-hazardous mixed general wastes from household, commercial, construction and demolition sources from the applicant's collections around the Macclesfield area.

The planning officer had initially recommended the scheme for refusal when it was considered by the council's strategic planning board in June.

This was because of fears the use of residential roads by HGVs accessing the site would be noisy and disrupt nearby residents.

Councillors deferred the application at that meeting  asking for clarification on the surrounding land use and associated HGV vehicle movements onto Withyfold Drive.

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The latest report due to go before next Wednesday's (August 18) meeting of the strategic planning board states the applicant has reduced the number of HGV vehicle movements from 70 a day to 50  – that's 25 in and 25 out.

The applicant has also provided a plan which details the proposed vehicle routing arrangements for the site.

More than 250 residents have objected to the scheme, as has Macclesfield Town Council.

Among the many objections were concerns about highways safety due to narrow residential roads with on-street parking and poor visibility; fears of noise, disruption and vibration to houses from the site operations; air pollution and smells.

Ward councillor Steve Carter (Macclesfield Hurdsfield, Lab) stated in his objection: "The residents are united in opposition to this development which they believe to be entirely inappropriate, unsafe and a danger to public health and security.

"No amount of restrictions to this proposal will remove the danger of excessive traffic in a residential area, the health risks associated with transporting and dealing with waste through a residential area and the noise impact on residents."

But the planning officer has recommended the scheme be approved.

The officer states in her report: "On balance it is considered that, while there could be some harm to amenity associated with the movement of HGVs on residential roads, these impacts are not sufficient on their own to warrant refusal of the application and are outweighed by the significant strategic and economic benefits presented by the proposal.

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"This includes supporting the local economy and the retention of 40 local jobs.

"The proposal also presents a number of benefits in sustainable waste management."

The meeting takes place at Sandbach Town Hall on Wednesday, August 18 at 10am.

Elsewhere in local waste news, the closing date for Congleton tip was confirmed, which will cause more traffic and flytipping in Macclesfield.

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