Planning granted for new waste transfer site
Rossendale CouncilA new waste transfer station in Lancashire has been approved despite fears about potential traffic problems and smells.
Councillors on Rossendale's development committee have approved a plan for the waste station at Futures Park in Bacup.
Council planning officer Claire Bradley said there were no objections from authorities such as Lancashire County Council or the Environment Agency.
Previous objections had been lifted around drainage details, subject to conditions, but six letters of objection had come from local people.
'Local site makes sense'
In an update, Rossendale planning officers recommended councillors to approve the plan with conditions.
Traffic, noise and odour control measures, using an air control system with carbon filters inside a roofed building, and the visual appearance of the proposed waste station were all acceptable, planning officers believed.
But Reform UK councillor Mackenzie Ritson, a county and borough councillor, who is not on the planning committee, said he believed the proposal was "unlawful" and breached Rossendale Council's local plan regarding acceptable activities at Futures Park.
He also said "critical documents" had not been uploaded onto the council's website planning portal, which breached natural justice and the consultation policy.
But Rossendale Council leader Labour councillor Alyson Barnes rejected the suggestions as "a lot of bluster", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
She was not on the planning committee but spoke as a local councillor.
She said: "Lancashire County Council has changed its waste-handling regime, meaning we've had to re-think everything we do.
"The old arrangement to use the Whinney Hill landfill site near Accrington will be ending in spring 2026 and we would have to drive to Leyland instead.
"But that is not a practical option for us and would cost a considerable amount extra every year.
"Having a local site to sort waste makes sense. Our current Henrietta Street site in Bacup could be changed but there is considerable opposition from residents.
"But Futures Park is owned by this council and is a realistic option which takes into account residents' and environmental concerns."
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
