Why did Cambridgeshire County Council refuse the recycling plant expansion?

The council refused the expansion due to concerns about adverse impacts on the community, including increased traffic, noise, dust, and air quality.

What were the proposed changes for the Whittlesey recycling plant?

The company applied to increase the annual processing capacity from 250,000 tonnes to 614,000 tonnes and significantly raise daily HGV traffic.

What did residents say about the recycling plant expansion?

Residents raised concerns about dust, noise, and health impacts, with some reporting respiratory issues and issues with dust settling on their properties.

Home / Environment / Whittlesey Residents Cheer as Recycling Plant Expansion Denied

Whittlesey Residents Cheer as Recycling Plant Expansion Denied

5 Mar

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Summary

Council refused plans to nearly triple recycling plant's annual processing capacity.
Concerns over increased HGV traffic, dust, and air quality led to refusal.
Residents celebrated the decision after raising health and noise concerns.

Whittlesey Residents Cheer as Recycling Plant Expansion Denied

Cambridgeshire County Council's Planning Committee has made the decision to refuse expansion plans for Johnson Aggregates Recycling Limited at the former Saxon Brickworks in Whittlesey. The proposed expansion would have nearly tripled the site's annual processing capacity from 250,000 to 614,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste and incinerator bottom ash.

This decision was driven by significant community concerns about the potential adverse impacts of increased operations. Residents and the county council's public health team raised alarms about a substantial rise in HGV traffic, expected to increase from 62 to 332 vehicles daily. Concerns also focused on intensified noise and dust, which could negatively affect local health and well-being.