Campaigners bid to stop more recycling at Dolgarrog

Mar 11 2010 by David Powell, North Wales Weekly News

Dolgarrog recycling centre

A RECYCLING plant has been breaking up building materials for 11 years without planning permission.

Councillors are considering whether to allow the yard in Dolgarrog to continue recycling waste from construction and demolition work.

The problem emerged after the plant’s owner Alun Edwards applied for permission to improve his operation by completing his site access, a covered 23-metre long waste handling shed and office.

He has also asked to be allowed to continue running his business at Tan y Ffordd in Dolgarrog.

But his plan has sparked a backlash from neighbours, who have sent 25 letters of objection to Conwy County Council raising fears about dust, noise and traffic around the site, if he is allowed to continue.

They also fear making the plant permanent could prejudice redevelopment of the former Dolgarrog Aluminium site, which lies around 400 yards away.

They also worry about the impact on Snowdonia National Park and devaluation of house prices.

Dolgarrog Community Council claims materials on site have not been removed, scrap vehicles have been dumped, and that there’s regular waste burning.

The council is also concerned about the noise of HGVs entering the site, and has asked for an Environment Agency Wales assessment of what has been tipped on the land previously.

Yesterday, Conwy planning committee members were asked for their views which will be presented at an appeal which Mr Edwards is bringing at the Planning Inspectorate in Cardiff.

Neighbour David Lea said: “Up to now, we’ve not had a problem with the recycling centre, but we hope the old aluminium site nearby could be turned into a Bluestone holiday park, like the one in Pembrokeshire.

“The last thing they would want is an expanded recycling centre nearby.”

Neighbour Leonard Williams is concerned about increased dust.

But another resident, Gilbert Davies, said: “We didn’t mind the noise when the aluminium plant was open. Any changes at the recycling centre don’t worry me.”

Applicant Mr Edwards has lodged an appeal against Conwy Council’s failure to give notice of its decision on his application within the prescribed period of eight weeks. He says the delay means he cannot invest to remain competitive.

The council says the delay was because it was awaiting additional information from Mr Edwards.

An agent for Mr Edwards declined to comment.

An appeal date has yet to be set.