Caythorpe currently handles around 60,000 tonnes a year but an increase to 120,000 tonnes has been given outline permission by the county council.

Councillors have assured residents that the amount of traffic going into the site will not increase, but accept the size of some vehicles will go up.

Final approval will be dependant on improvements to nearby roads and upgrading of some on site facilities.

Tough targets

Loads to the site are expected to increase to an average of 15 tonnes per vehicle.

Councillor Mrs Sheila Roy, chairman of the county council's Planning and Regulation Committee said: "This site is an existing recycling centre and the applicant recognises the need for recycling facilities and other waste developments that promote alternatives to disposal of waste to landfill.

"The proposal will further improve the rates of recycling, composting and waste transfer at the site, and help the districts to meet their recycling targets.

"Conditions to address the concerns of local people have been attached to the planning permission."