Plans to extend a north-east waste and recycling centre were approved by Aberdeenshire councillors yesterday – despite a raft of concerns from locals.
The proposals by Aberdeen-based firm, EIS Waste Services to create a stone cleaning plant and wash pods at Gallowhill, Nigg, were given the go-ahead by the Kincardine and Mearns area committee.
The plans, for near the hamlet of Checkbar in greenbelt land, received 41 objections from local residents concerned about smells, noise levels, dust, visual impact and its closeness to their homes.
But after a site visit, members decided to back the plans for the Terex washing system and five washing lagoons, which will transform aggregate from demolition sites into construction material to be sold on.
Mearns councillor David Stuart said: “I couldn’t get the scale of the thing or the height of the bund but the site visit was very helpful, I would view that we grant it.”
North Kincardine councillor Alison Evison raised concerns about drainage, and said: “We have had experience in that area before with housing and drainage being a long lasting problem.”
However a council spokesman said: “It is not for the planning authority to step in and resolve an issue like that, it is up to the site owners.”
He added: “A number of residential properties are located within the area of the site. The site is surrounded by bunds. There were a total of 41 valid representations, all objections.
“It is not expected the development would lead to excess movement on the road network.”
The plans were unanimously agreed by the committee.