Hearing into recycling centre appeal

In April 2011, the firm, located in Beenham Industrial Park, applied for retrospective planning permission to change its use from low intensity car breaking operations to a high intensity metal recycling operation.
This was initially refused by the council on the grounds of noise pollution, disruption to the character of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and impacts upon public rights of way.
However Paul and Nicola Tompkins, who run A4 Metal Recycling Ltd (pictured), are appealing the decision despite 20 letters of objection being sent to the council by neighbouring businesses and local residents raising concerns, almost all commenting on the noise generated from the site.
A public hearing into the appeal will take place at West Berkshire Council’s office in Market Street, Newbury, on January 22 at 10am.
The decision notice released by the council said: “The noise related impacts of the proposal are considered to have a detrimental impact on the nearby residential properties as well as having a negative impact on other employment uses, the users of the public right of way network and the wider AONB.
“The development will generate an increased level of activity in the North Wessex Downs resulting in a loss of tranquillity through noise from the site and increased traffic flows that erode the rural road network and the increased visual intrusion resulting in the loss of character to the natural beauty of the area.”
The appeal is to be heard by an independent inspector, to be appointed by the Secretary of State for Environment.