Plans for new Yorkshire waste and recycling tip put on hold after 2,000 objections

East Riding Council’s Planning Committee deferred the authority’s plans for the new tip, in Ings Road off Grange Way, Molescroft, which would replace the one at Weel.

Council waste management lead Sarah Atkinson told the committee the location would provide a workable and sustainable solution for replacing the Weel tip which is no longer fit for purpose.

But Mike Roach, speaking for the objectors, said the field earmarked for the site should remain an area of peace and tranquillity instead of being concreted over for a tip.

Plans from the council proposed a centre capable of handling 9,000 tonnes of waste and recycling a year, enough to keep up with Beverley’s growing population.

Councillors heard that redeveloping the Weel tip, which is prone to traffic queues and flooding, was considered unviable because of the cost.

The site proposed in Molescroft would feature a shop selling second hand items.

It would operate from 7.30am to 6pm every day, except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

The site would be open to East Riding residents with a waste permit from 10am to 5pm every day and until 4pm in winter.

Councillors heard new woodland and a meadow would be created as part of the plans, along with other landscaping.

But 1,924 objections were lodged against the plans over fears it would fuel congestion on the already busy Grange Way, increasing the risk of accidents.

There were also fears it would lead to noise, light and air pollution near a picnic area, homes and the Busy Bees nursery.

Molescroft Parish Council and Beverley Town Council also called for the application to be refused and another site looked at.

Conservative Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart held public meetings over the plans and called on locals to make their voices heard.

Liberal Democrat St Marys ward’s Cllr Linda Johnson and Cllr Denis Healy both spoke against the plans during the committee meeting, calling for a different site to be looked at.

Ms Atkinson told the committee several sites had been considered and the Molescroft one was chosen after thorough examination.

The officer said: “This application has become controversial but we would like to reaffirm this council’s commitment to creating a modern recycling facility to serve Beverley and the surrounding area.

“The Weel site is unsafe and provides and unacceptable quality of service, redeveloping it would be prohibitively expensive.

“Objections and concerns about the chosen site have been listened to and we’ve provided further information.

“This will be a workable, practical and sustainable solution to Beverley’s recycling needs.”

Mr Roach said councillors should respect locals’ opposition to the plans and block them.

The objector said: “Council officers will tell you that everything is good to go but the community dispute that.

“The proposed site isn’t the best one, it’s just the easiest, concreting over a green field site doesn’t scream innovation.

“The health and wellbeing of Beverley residents, young, old and everything in between is determined by the outcome of this, this should remain a peaceful and beautiful space for years to come.”

Committee Chair Cllr Leo Hammond said he supported building a new site but added the proposed turn into the site was not the easiest for drivers.

The chair said: “The site at Weel absolutely needs replacing and this facility would be a really good facility.

“This needs to be absolutely right before it’s approved.”