Plans for food waste site paused amid concerns

The waste transfer site in Newhaven stopped recycling in 2011

Plans for a food waste facility in Newhaven have been paused after residents raised concerns about noise, odour and vermin.

Lewes District Council officers had recommended approval of proposals for the plant in Lewes Road.

Under the scheme, put forward by the council, a former household waste recycling site was to be used for handling food waste.

Councillor Wendy Maples, cabinet member for neighbourhood wellbeing, said: “Having heard local people, read the comments and listened to opinions that have been shared with me, it’s clear that the right decision is to put a pause on the proposals.”

Newhaven Town Council had also raised concerns about highway safety.

Ms Maples added: “It’s always my belief that we can only arrive at decisions of this importance by taking people with us and that means listening carefully to what they say.”

Residents had said the site would increase noise and create an odour in the area.