Major waste recycling centre planned near historic Somerset canal
People exploring an historical Somerset canal could soon be greeted by the sight of a major recycling plant if plans are given the green light.
Bridgwater Recycling Ltd. is seeking permission to build a large waste recycling facility in Bridgwater, on land between Somerset Bridge and the M5.
The Bristol-based company – previously known as ETM Recycling – intends for the facility to be used for the “transfer, treatment and storage of non-hazardous soils, aggregates and road sweepings”, which can be recycled for future use within construction.
Somerset Council is expected to make a ruling on the proposals by Christmas – with the Environment Agency (EA) holding a separate consultation on the permits necessary to operate the site.
The site currently comprises greenfield land to the east of Somerset Bridge (an offshoot of Squibbers Way), bordered by the Bristol to Exeter mainline railway to the north, the M5 to the east and the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal to the south.
To reduce the impact of the development from the canal towpath (including views from the nearby Boat and Anchor pub), a three-metre fence will be erected along the southern side of the site, with new trees being planted to eventually screen the facility.
The facility will include designated wheel washing facilities for HGVs and sprinkler system to reduce the dirt and dust being dispersed from vehicle movements and the various recycling processes which will be undertaken within the compound.
A spokesperson for Severn Compliance (representing the applicant) said: “Bridgwater Recycling Ltd is an arm of a waste management provider within the south west, which operates several permitted waste facilities, including an aggregates recycling facility.
“The wider company currently operates several permitted facilities, including the treatment of waste to produce recycled aggregates and soils.
“The company is seeing an increase in the availability of soils and associated construction wastes and the demand for quality recycled (secondary) aggregates, especially washed aggregates.
“The proposed waste streams accepted at the site will be from the construction and demolition sector, and from waste management.
“The new plant will allow the company to provide a greater offering to the construction sector and allow the local circular economy to expand.
“The site will not accept any hazardous waste at the facility.”
The new facility is expected to handled a maximum of 350,000 tonnes of waste per year, with a weekly limit of 7,000 tonnes.
Somerset Council leader Bill Revans (whose North Petherton division includes the site) has formally objected to the plans, arguing that building on this site “could increase the risk of flooding elsewhere” within the River Parrett catchment.
He added: “While it is accepted that the area has been identified in the Sedgemoor Local Plan for future industrial use, it is not acceptable that the site is being prepared for use as a waste processing facility.
“If water from the canal is to be used, what contact has been made with the Canal and Rivers Trust and the EA about this use?
“In times of major flooding, the canal is used to increase clearance of floodwater for discharge at Bridgwater Docks. Has this been considered?
“What consideration is being given to air quality, given the cumulative impacts of the nearby incinerator?”
To take part in the EA’s consultation over the permits for the site’s operation, visit www.consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/ta6-6ll-bridgwater-recycling-ltd-epr-up3522mu-a001/ before August 26.
Fay Braddick, who lives on Somerset Bridge, said she was “frustrated” that local residents had not been more extensively consulted on this proposal.
She elaborated: “We currently have the Perry’s recycling plant, SWP Concrete Solutions and Avon Reclamation in this area, which already cause significant noise disturbance to residents – and now we have a proposed recycling centre for aggregate.
“We already have significant issues with lorries parking overnight, and large vehicles often parking both sides of the road in the day, making it difficult to get in and out. Adding 120 vehicles a day to this is not going to help.
“Winter adds extra strain on this road, as it is not gritted and has been shut due to the amount of accidents due to black ice.
“By increasing the land height by three meters, the development will increase the run-off of water during heavy rain, which is then likely to drain into the canal, increasing the water height and thereby increasing flooding risk to local properties.
“I am all for supporting new jobs and opportunities to the area, but I am frustrated about the lack of involvement and inclusion of local residents.
Somerset Council is expected to make a ruling on these plans within the next few months.
Due to the scale and significance of these plans, such a decision may be taken in public by its strategic planning committee (which handles applications for quarries and other major infrastructure) rather than through the delegated powers of its planning officers.