COUNCILLORS have approved plans to create a large waste facility on the outskirts of a County Durham village.

Today (Tuesday, February 4), Durham County Council’s County Planning Committee approved Veolia ES’s application to build a waste transfer station (WTS) at Bishop Middleham, near Sedgefield.

Located close to A177 at Garmondsway, the site has been used as a waste vehicle and maintenance depot since the mid 1970s and employs 25 people.

The new 1,600 square metre facility, which will shred and bulk up to 50,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste per year, will create a further five full time jobs.

In making the decision, councillors considered the views of two nearby residents who raised concerns about noise pollution, traffic problems and unsavoury smells.

Cornforth Parish Council also objected to the proposal.

However, at the meeting at County Hall in Durham City, the committee followed planning officer Chris Shield’s recommendation to approve the scheme. 

In his report, Mr Shield said: “Careful consideration was given to the concerns raised throughout the consideration process and these have been taken into account and addressed in detail within the body of the report.

“On balance these were not felt to be of sufficient weight to justify refusal of the application in this case.

“Potential impacts on local amenity associated with matters such as noise, dust, odour and visual impact can be controlled through the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures and planning conditions.”

The application was due to be determined at a committee meeting last month but was withdrawn the night before.