AN “unauthorised” waste recycling facility in Colchester is set to be allowed to continue operating despite concerns over its “unpleasant smell”.

Work on the site, located on land off Ipswich Road, in Langham, commenced in early 2023 before becoming fully operational in September.

In May the complex and the fact it had not obtained planning permission were brought to the attention of Essex County Council by Colchester Council.

Following a joint investigation, County Hall's planning bosses held discussions with the landowner and operator.

Gazette: Decision - Essex County Council's County Hall Decision - Essex County Council's County Hall (Image: Newsquest)
They suggested they were unaware of the need for planning permission as they “didn’t think the new use represented a change of use”.

Since then an application has been submitted which could see the site, currently used for storage, become home to various plant and machinery and portacabins.

Operations at the 2.5-acre site, which could employ three full-time workers, would include the importing of asphalt, which would be processed within an Asphalt Recycling Unit.

It is proposed approximately 15 tonnes of recyclable material would be imported per day, with no more than 750 tonnes of material stored on-site at any one time.

Proposed operating hours will be Monday to Saturday from 6am until 6pm, with no working on Sundays and Bank Holidays, and no work commencing before 7am.

Due to the retrospective application, planning bosses have received various consultation comments. 

Both the Environment Agency and National Highways have posed no objections, but Ardleigh Parish Council said permission should have been sought before the new activities began.

A statement from the council said: “The site is on the boundary of Ardleigh parish and access is likely to be vehicles past the homes of some Ardleigh residents.

“There are concerns about an unpleasant smell of hot asphalt, and general air quality, given the proximity of the A12 and A120.”

Essex County Council said the proposal “would not fundamentally undermine the Waste Local Plan” and “would not appear unduly out of character with the area and/or give rise to significant amenity or highway impacts”.

The plans were recommended for approval ahead of a meeting on Friday.