Huge support for new recycling centre plans after public exhibition at The Bowd Inn

THERE has been overwhelming support for the design and siting of a new Devon County Council recycling centre near The Bowd, Sidmouth.

Positive comments kept on coming last Thursday at a public exhibition of the �2 million project, which should, if planning permission is granted, be completed in 2013.

“It is no worse than what we’ve got now and they have got to put it somewhere,” said Clive Robertson from Fire Beacon Lane, Sidmouth. “I don’t think it will be near people’s houses.”

Nick and Sue Bignell from Ottery St Mary, agreed: “It looks very good and better than being at ground level.”

They were referring to the split level design that allows people to dispose of rubbish without having to climb steps to reach the top of containers.

The state-of-the-art centre is sited along the B3177 Sidmouth to Ottery St Mary road, close to the existing Woods Farm recycling site. Its planning permission expires next year.

The site was one of three earmarked by DCC for public consultation and was selected the most popular.

DCC held last week’s consultation to gain public opinion before submitting a planning application.

Chris Chandler, DCC’s senior waste branch manager, said: “If we are going for planning next month we need as much support as possible to help the process on the way.”

The application will be in before Christmas and will be considered by county planners.

“But it is not a done deal,” said Mr Chandler, “we have to go through the process like anyone else. If anything, it’s probably harder.”

He said Highways had no concerns about the entrance to the site, which will be approached by a long drive.

One benefit from the new centre is the ability for rubbish collections to be made without having to shut the site, as is the case at Woods Farm.

Ian Johnson, branch engineer for Jacobs sub contractors to DCC, was also on hand to answer questions at Thursday’s exhibition at The Bowd Inn.

Public saw designs of the new plant, maps and they were asked to complete comment slips.