Proposed development of a new recycling centre in Haverhill

A consultation's underway

Author: Sharon PlummerPublished 15th Feb 2021
Last updated 15th Feb 2021

Suffolk County Council and its partner FCC Environment, who manage and run all 11 of Suffolk's recycling centres, are proposing to relocate the Chalkstone Way Recycling Centre to a new location, currently occupied by FCC's Waste Transfer Station at Homefield Road in Haverhill.

The proposal is to create a new, modern, split-level Recycling Centre designed to make access for residents easier as well as to maximize recycling. The new recycling centre would be built within part of the existing transfer station site.

The replacement recycling centre is being proposed to overcome increasing demand at the existing site at Chalkstone Way. With the forecasted housing growth in the area, future demand is expected to exceed the current site's capacity.

The proposals for the brand new, purpose-designed recycling centre include a raised mezzanine platform to provide residents with an elevated position from which to safely dispose of waste-removing the need for steps. The easy to use layout will allow visitors to access the clearly marked recycling bays, introducing greater separation between public vehicles and large operational vehicles. The proposed centre is expected to reduce queuing on the highway and remove the need for the site to be closed to the public while the large recycling containers are emptied and serviced.

Councillor Paul West, Cabinet Member for Waste, said:

"The proposed new recycling centre for Haverhill has a great deal to offer local residents. With modern facilities, more ease of access and increased capacity, there is a real opportunity to improve the service in the area and make it possible to meet the future recycling needs of the local community.

"Residents are encouraged to take a look at the proposals on the Suffolk Recycling website and give their feedback before the end of February."

FCC Environment Operations Director Steve Longdon, said:

"We are delighted to be bringing forward proposals to relocate the Chalkstone Way Recycling Centre to a new location which will provide residents with a really great recycling experience long into the future. Our belief is that this proposal really is the best of all worlds making use of existing infrastructure to help Suffolk residents recycle even more".

There is space within the building to continue to operate the waste transfer station and to develop the new Recycling Centre. These two activities will share the site but will be operated independently. West

Suffolk Council will continue to tip waste and recycling collected from the Haverhill area.

Cllr Peter Stevens, Cabinet member for Operations at West Suffolk Council, said:

'This new facility is a welcome improvement in Haverhill's infrastructure and will create opportunities for local people to recycle more of their waste. It promises a very different experience which I hope will encourage more recycling of valuable resources that would otherwise be lost. I encourage residents to have a look on the Suffolk Recycling website to find out more.'

The pre planning consultation period will run from 15th to 28th February 2021.

More details about the proposals can be found on the Suffolk Recycling website.

Feedback on the proposals should be submitted to waste.management@suffolk.gov.uk

It is expected that the planning application for the Haverhill Recycling Centre development will be submitted in the spring.

This project sees FCC Environment and Suffolk County Council working as part of the Suffolk waste partnership with West Suffolk Council.

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