Waste vehicle depot plan approved despite concerns

Councillors approved plans for the site in East-the-Water

A Devon village is getting a new waste vehicle depot despite concerns raised by locals who did not want it.

Torridge District Council's plans committee approved the proposals in Manteo Way in East-the-Water, near Bideford, by seven votes to one, with one abstention.

The committee was told 64 people had voiced concerns about the site being just 35m (115ft) from a residential development along with smells, air pollution, highway safety and loss of wildlife and habitats.

But the council green-lit the plans due to there being a "desperate need" for the depot.

The committee heard three existing depots in Holsworthy, Torrington and Bideford - which are no longer fit for purpose - would all be incorporated into the new facility.

Councillors were also told a depot for the district was a quarter of a century overdue, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

'Lack of options'

Huw Thomas, Green councillor for Bideford East, voted against the plans and said the proposals should go to an independent planning inspector.

"This is a charade," he said.

"There has been a lack of options given to both councillors and the public and a lack of scrutiny by councillors."

Other committee members raised concerns about the plans, but councillor Chris Leather - lead member for operational services - said he did not believe there would be a detrimental impact.

"I think this proposal is fantastic," he said.

Council vice-chairman Doug Smith added the authority could not wait another 25 years for a depot as if there was going to be 35% more households in the future it needed more facilities to cope.