PLANS which would see a new waste recycling facility in Hitchin have been approved, despite residents and the district council voicing their opposition.

Herts County Council approved proposals by Winters Haulage Ltd, who currently operate a similar centre in Southgate, to run a waste plant at Hunting Gate within the Wilbury Way industrial area.

But the proposal has still faced a number of objections, largely because of the potential increase in the number of HGV’s going through residential roads including Grove Road and Woolgrove Road.

“We are opposed to this, it’s all been rushed through at an ungodly speed without enough thought,” said Mr Young, who owns company Sonic Distribution Ltd on the road where the centre would be based.

“We don’t want the vehicle movement, which will go through lots of residential roads. It will definitely affect our business.”

It is estimated that there could be 68 daily vehicle movements on average from the waste recycling centre, with 34 vehicles moving away and 34 moving into the site.

It has also been suggested that there could be 75,000 tonnes of waste generated over a year, the equivalent of more than 200 tonnes a day.

NHDC also voiced its opposition to the plans, and has claimed that the site has not been identified as a suitable location in local plans, whereas other areas may be more suitable.

“We have written to Herts County Council to inform them we are objecting to the proposals for a waste and recycling facility in Hunting Gate, Hitchin,” said Cllr Tom Brindley, portfolio holder for planning and transport.

“We do not feel that the benefits that the site would bring outweigh the negative impact on those living in these roads.

“There are already a number of sites nearby that require HGV access through these residential roads and it is a growing and significant concern for residents.

“We do not believe that adequate additional justification has been put forward for the proposed site.”

Herts County Council, whose Development Control Committee approved the proposal on Tuesday, said that the centre would be subject to a series of conditions relating to traffic, noise levels and operating hours.

It is claimed that the building where the facility would be based would not be altered structurally, and would deal with non-toxic waste, 90 per cent of which would be recycled.