Councillors have delayed a decision on a controversial bid to open a north-east food recycling site 24 hours a day.
The Buchan area committee held discussions yesterday to consider whether to grant an application to extend the opening hours of the Keenan Recycling Centre.
The firm has applied to be allowed to operate longer hours to ensure the compost produced by the food recycling was accessible for customers, which are mainly local farmers.
But councillors yesterday agreed to defer making a decision on the proposal until after they had made a site visit.
Gregor Keenan, technical director of the food waste recycling firm, spoke out to allay the fears of residents telling councillors he wanted to “dispel the myths” surrounding the application.
He said: “This application to extend our opening hours will not change anything other than allowing tractors to pick up compost at any time.
“We all know farming isn’t a nine-to-five business so we need to try to service their collection demand which is often late in the evening.”
He also stated that the extended hours would result in quicker processing causing less smell but locals were still concerned about potential noise levels.
However, one of the neighbours, Phil Hemsley, said: “Granting the planning permission will exasperate the problems we already have.
“A stink is present when the wind blows towards us.
“The noise is a nuisance to me and my family.”
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Councillors discussed the matter and agreed that a site visit would prove useful.
Speaking after the meeting, local resident Neil Stagg said: “There’s a business relationship between Keenans and the council but if this is approved and there are no restrictions on the site then there’s no way to control them as there would be no rules they would actually be breaking.
“Keenans is also aware of every noise test and site visit so it’s possible to modify the levels on those days which isn’t very fair – a random assessment should be carried out.”
Mr Keenan said after the meeting that he thought a site visit would be advantageous to the committee members.
He said: “It’s useful for them to see where the food waste in Aberdeenshire goes.
“Not only do we recycle in the facility but we sell it back to the local agriculture to keep it local and make a difference in the area.”
The application will be decided on December 4.