Great Bowden waste depot: Planning application refused (Market Harborough Liberal Democrats)

Market Harborough Liberal Democrats <info@marketharboroughlibdems.org.uk>

Great Bowden waste depot: Planning application refused

May 26, 2010 10:37 PM

Ros Scott and local Liberal Democrats meet concerned Great Bowden residents

Baroness Ros Scott, President of the Liberal who visited the site a few months ago to with residents and listen to their concerns. She is pictured alongside Councillor Phil Knowles with Councillor Sarah Hill and Councillor Barbara Johnson. Photo by courtesy of Andrew Carpenter

The Focsa waste site in Great Bowden - which has been operating without planning permission for six months - was dealt a major blow last week when Leicestershire County Council rejected the planning application, leaving the situation in total confusion.

It had been speculated that County Hall's planning committee would simply rubber-stamp Focsa's application, perhaps incorporating a number of conditions imposed. But campaigners were left celebrating after councillors gave the plan the thumbs down.

There is now a major question over the district council 9500 tons of waste.

Ward councillors Phil Knowles, Barbara Johnson and Sarah Hill, who is also the county councillor for the Great Bowden & Arden Ward, addressed the committee urging them to take on board the residents concerns, the impact on the area and the questionable suitability of the site. The committee was also addressed by the chairman of the parish council and local residents.

Speaking after the meeting Phil, Barbara and Sarah said: "We are, of course, delighted with the decision to refuse the application, but we are not complacent. The ball is now very firmly in Focsa's court. Will they appeal? Will they resubmit or will they look to an alternative site? Whatever they decide we are 100 per cent committed and will vigorously continue the campaign on behalf of the community."

Attention now switches to Harborough District Council Chamber where the Scrutiny Resources Committee will shortly discuss the officers report relating to the contract for the waste services being unsigned for almost 11 months while the service continued. We will let you know the outcome.