Recycling firm is given go-ahead to extend site
ARECYCLING firm’s controversial plans to expand its site have been given the goahead.
It means Elsa Recycling Group will operate from an enlarged site combining its current base at Station Road Industrial Estate, in Stockport, and the neighbouring Climax Works.
The proposal, which includes a new access for HGVs from Durham Street, was refused by councillors in April.
Residents had complained it would lead to ‘more traffic, more noise and disruption and more pollution – leading to more stress and anxiety’.
But a technical error – and a failure to provide specific reasons for refusal – meant that ruling could not legally stand.
The application instead went back to the Heatons and Reddish area committee on Monday night (June 21) for a decision.
In the interim, the firm liaised with residents in an attempt to find a way to address their concerns while also allowing for the plant to run more smoothly.
A report to the Heatons and Reddish Area committee noted that the increase in recycling over the last 20 years had led to ‘various operational issues’ – resulting in vehicles having to wait on Station Road for loading or unloading.
The new scheme, it said, would remove the need for lorries to park on the road and manoeuvre into and out of the site, while the closure of the existing business at Climax Works would also reduce traffic.
A proposed acoustic fence would be lowered to three feet due to complaints from people in Carna Road that it would block sunlight from their back gardens.
It was clear, however, that neighbours still harboured serious concerns.
Addressing the committee, Diane Gomez said she was exasperated with complaints being dismissed as ‘historical’ and had lost faith that a solution could be found.
“I’m so distressed and not trustful of the company, and I’m sorry the system is also not giving me confidence,” she said.
“I’m just overwhelmed at this moment because I think no matter what I say it won’t change. There are so many conditions on this company and they breach every single time and nothing is done. Why will it be different in future?”
However she agreed that new conditions set as part of the planning application could give residents some ‘hope’ – but questioned how Elsa’s activities would be monitored.
“We just want some peace and quite and to live our lives,” she told Coun John Taylor.
Rhian Thomas, who addressed the committee on behalf of Elsa, said the firm had found it ‘increasingly difficult to function efficiently’ from its current premises.
“Elsa has therefore worked closely with the council over the last two years to devise and bring a solution and therefore improve amenity for nearby residents and access for tenants across the wilder industrial estate,” she said.
“Contrary to objections received from members of the public, the development will not result in increased impact. This has been carefully reviewed and confirmed by consultees. Most notably highways and environmental health departments.”
She added: “Overall by enabling the operation to be fully contained within a larger site this proposal will reduce conflict and blockages on Station Road and will improve the amenity of nearby residents.”
Committee chair Coun Kate Butler, said that conditions would need to include the resurfacing of Durham Street – which is currently cobbled – to reduce noise from HGVs.
She noted that the new operating hours should mean the end to trucks arriving at the site at ‘ridiculous’ times before 7am.
Further conditions stipulated by Coun Butler were a site management plan and a ‘formal liaison structure’ between residents and the company to address any concerns.
Coun Roy Driver moved that the application be approved – stressing it was a matter of ‘obeying planning rules’ not personal opinion.
He said: “Elsa is part of a large industrial estate right next to residential property, serviced only by Station Road, which is a single track road both sides
“It’s always been a problematic area in terms of managing conflict between the businesses and their legitimate interests and the needs of residents.
“The applicant has taken on board some of the serious issues about HGVs parking on Station Road, about how they are managed and have come up with a plan that reduces – or possibly eliminates – that problem entirely.”
He was backed by Coun David Wilson ‘on the basis that congestion on Station Road would be reduced to the benefit of residents and neighbouring companies, and for the company itself’.
Planning permission was granted by the committee, with no dissent from any members.
“We just want some peace and quiet and to live our lives”