Surrey development set for approval despite strong opposition

A historic site in Surrey could be transformed as part of a recycling company’s expansion plans. However, the proposals have come up against notable opposition in the form of two petitions signed by 3,320 signatories.NJB Recycling is behind the application, which concerns a 1.09-acre site within the wider chalk pit plot.The chalk pit has a lengthy history of commercial use dating back from being a mineral working and large sawmill and lumberyard in the 1940s, with waste transfer activities beginning in the 1980s.NJB Recycling has acquired the lease of a plot within the pit and is proposing to develop it in order to improve the scope and organisation of existing waste management activities in the area.Proposed is demolishing existing buildings on the site and constructing a pair of facilities, as well as an office block.Building one would be used for processing demolition and excavation wastes using a crusher and mechanical screens to create recycled aggregates and soils, and for stockpiling the products pending onward use.Building two would be used for sorting mixed skip waste loads in order to segregate the recyclable materials – such as metal, paper, cardboard, wood, plastics, textiles and mineral/naturally occurring materials – and reduce the level of residual waste to a minimum.The proposal has been described as an employment-generating development and one which could make an “important contribution to the local economy”.However, the plans have come up against strong opposition.Representations from a total of 717 objectors have been received by the County Planning Authority (CPA) in relation to the application, alongside two petitions signed by a total of 3,320 signatories.Epsom and Ewell Borough Council also object to the proposal on Green Belt, transport, noise, dust, and ecology and biodiversity grounds.Despite this, planning officers at Surrey County Council have noted that on balance, the applicant has demonstrated “very special circumstances in that the harm to the Green Belt is outweighed by the need for the facility, the lack of alternative locations, and the enhancement of the NJB site to facilitate an increase in recovery, reuse and recycling, and the production of alternatives to primary aggregates”.”Taking all of this into account, officers consider that the grant of planning permission may be justified,” said a report drawn up ahead of a planning committee meeting on 26 January.Approval has therefore been recommended.