Red Shute recycling appeal thrown out

The rejected plans, submitted by Harwood Recycling Ltd, sought to process up to 18,000 tonnes of skip waste a year at the Red Shute Hill Industrial Estate, Hermitage.
Local residents voiced strong opposition to the plans, saying that the business would attract vermin, while the amount of heavy vehicles accessing the site would be dangerous on the winding roads and narrow bridge on Red Shute Hill.
West Berkshire Council turned down the plans in January on the grounds that the unit would be too small for the proposed use, and that it would generate an unacceptable level of noise and dust.
In their reasons for appeal the applicant stated that the proposed development would not have any adverse impact, arguing that the facility would benefit West Berkshire as it would improve its ability to sustainably manage its own waste.
The applicant had also agreed to accept two conditions relating to the site, including that doors were to be kept shut while recycling was processed and that a ventilation system was installed.
However, planning inspector K G Smith has dismissed the appeal on the potential environmental impact to the area but no objection was raised on highway safety.
In the reason for dismissal the inspector said that they would not be able to weigh the environmental harm owing to a lack of specific or detailed evidence on any increase in waste or a need for the facility provided by the applicant.
It was also stated that the proposed 18,000 tonnes a year would not be practicable within the building, meaning that activities would spill into the yard, and would detract from the character and appearance of the small industrial estate.
The small size of the unit would mean that there would not be enough space to store unwanted materials and that the main door could be kept open for longer periods allowing dust, noise and possibly litter to escape.