Why do we oppose this application?

Here is the Action Group response to the officers recommendation to the planning meeting.
( The pdf document is 0.5 MB. )

Here is a copy of the updated Action Group Submission.
( The pdf document is 5.6 MB so be patient if you have a slow connection. )

We believe that this planning application should be rejected because:

• There are existing MRF facilities at Rotherwas in Herefordshire and at the Hill & Moor site outside Pershore which can be upgraded. These facilities already have an infrastructure in place to cope with HGVs.

• It goes against Central Government Policy, which says waste should be managed locally.

• It goes against Local Government Policy, which says waste should be managed locally.

• It will cause more damage to our environment to have HGVs criss-crossing over the two counties just to transport waste to and from this plant. 50% of the waste to be brought to this plant will be trucked from the north of Norton and all of the sorted material will then be trucked back north again.

• There will be a substantial increase in HGVs using the southern ring road which will increase the congestion. St. Peter’s may become gridlocked at peak times.

• The B4084 was formerly the A44. The road was downgraded to reduce the number of HGV’s using the road.

• The new A44 was commissioned to provide a link to the new Wyre Piddle bypass to facilitate HGV traffic to the Hill and Moor site at considerable public expense. We oppose the spending of any unnecessary additional public funds.

• There is a potential health risk from airborne bacteria.

• After a similar plant was built elsewhere there has been a fly infestation.

• It is considered there would be a high risk of traffic accidents on the B4084 due to large numbers of slow moving HGVs turning into and out of Woodbury Lane.

• Current advice is that people living in the wider area around this proposed plant will suffer financially from a substantial reduction in the value their homes.

• The location of this plant was for light industrial use only and to encourage small businesses.

• WHY SHOULD WE SUFFER AND BE PUT AT RISK JUST TO INCREASE SEVERN WASTE’S PROFITS?

These are the biggest reasons. The application contains numerous other inconsistencies and concerns.