10 new jobs as PG Skips granted permission to expand in Wem

PG Skips has been granted permission from Shropshire Council to expand its premises at Lowe Cottage Farm, to meet demand and make it more efficient.

The scheme, which will involve extending the facility to accommodate segregated waste storage and a light waste reception area for vehicle tipping, will create at least 10 jobs.

The firm said the extension will help it to achieve its goal of 100 per cent recycling with zero waste to landfill.

But the scheme came under fire from local residents who raised concerns about the impacts on residents, wildlife and traffic.

The unitary authority received six letters of objection opposing the scheme, but Wem Rural Parish Council supported it, subject to conditions.

A report by Shropshire Council case officer Kelvin Hall states: "The proposal would increase the capacity of the existing waste recycling facility to manage a greater range and quantity of waste materials, and bring about improvements to the efficiency of the operation. It would thereby contribute to improvements in recycling of these waste streams.

"It is considered that the proposal, which includes the extension of the acoustic barrier, can be undertaken without causing adverse impact in the local area due to noise, dust or traffic.

"Further control over the operation would be provided by the environmental permit. The proposal would have some impact on the visual character of the area due to the scale of the proposed extension, it is considered that satisfactory mitigation by way of landscaping and design would be provided and that overall the benefits of the proposal would outweigh any harm to the local area."

Documents submitted in support of the application say the company is still experiencing a natural increase in business and an ever increase in legislation to divert materials from landfill.

“In addition, the company needs to cope with a greater diversity of materials which require recycling,” the documents state.

“The company also recycles farm waste from across Shropshire and has seen an increase in volumes and varieties that need to be recycled rather than land filled. As a result, the existing facility cannot cope with the increasing legislation requiring the segregation of materials and so recoverable material is still ending up going to landfill.

“It aims to fulfil the company’s policy of recycling with zero to landfill by diverting 100 per cent of waste away from landfill sites while at the same time reducing noise and dust levels of the operation.

“This will also enable the company to reduce its carbon footprint while helping the Shropshire community achieve a greater recycling percentage.”