Changes made to Hailsham tyre recycling centre plans

On Wednesday (March 11), East Sussex County Council’s planning committee is set to consider an updated application to open a tyre recycling centre at a former coal yard in the Swan Barn Road industrial estate in Hailsham.

The application had been due to go before the committee back in January, but was deferred after developers asked for an extension to amend and improve the proposals with a new enclosure.

While the previous application had been recommended for refusal, officers say the amended proposals address previous concerns around the potential noise impact on neighbours.

In a report set to be considered by the committee, an East Sussex planning officer said: “While the proposal would generate noise, it is considered that sufficient mitigation has been provided in order to ensure that there would be no significant adverse effect on the amenity of existing residential areas in close proximity to the site, or on the proposed residential area to the south west. 

“It is considered that sufficient measures have been put in place to control dust. It is considered that the proposal would have a minor visual impact on the local area, given the lack of public views of the site. 

“The proposal is also considered to be acceptable in terms of its generation of traffic, its access arrangements and the parking arrangements on-site.

“Therefore, the application is recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

While officers now consider the proposals acceptable, objections have been raised by Hailsham Town Council.

In its representations, the town council raised concerns around the environmental impact of the proposal arguing it could pose a health risk to nearby residents.

The town council also raised concerns about the traffic impact of HGVs visiting the site and its proximity to residential properties.