‘Recycling centre fight is not over’ – MP

AN MP has warned residents who have been battling plans for a controversial waste recycling centre that their fight may not be over, despite developers losing an appeal.

Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy said a planning inspector’s decision to reject the scheme, which had sparked nearly 1,000 objections from residents, was welcome, but warned that developers at 4R could submit a fresh application and advised locals to remain vigilant.

The Knottingley-based developers wants to process up to 100,000 tonnes a year of waste at a redundant peatworks two miles from Swinefleet, near Goole.

Amongst the materials they are looking to treat are “biosolids” from sewage treatment plants. Bio-solids are the solid material left over following waste water treatment, and the plant would have processed bio-solids which have not passed tests and need further lime treatment.

Speaking in 2018, 4R said the site was “very remote”, and spreading bio-solid waste on land was “a very commonplace activity”.

However, it raised hundreds of objections over the thousands of extra lorries needed to access the site along “unsuitable” country lanes, as well as concerns it would cause “horrendous” smells and could lead to pollution of watercourses.

Three parish councils objected as did North Lincolnshire Council, and 4R’s planning application was refused in June by East Riding councillors against officers’ recommendations.

In the latest twist, planning inspector Graeme Robbie last week dismissed an appeal by 4R. Mr Percy said the reasons given by the inspector for refusal were “relatively narrow” and relate to a lack of evidence from the 4R for mitigating the impact of traffic on the roads network in the application.

The developer has been approached for a comment.