Poole MP says proposed waste recycling plant is in the wrong place

Concerned businessmen who are opposing potential plans to build a huge waste recycling plant next door to Tower Park met with Poole MP Robert Syms.

The site situated on both sides of Ling Road is one of several identified for Dorset County Council’s up-coming Draft Waste Plan.

But locals say the site is unsuitable for the proposed food recycling due to the smell, health concerns and impact on traffic – with large lorries travelling up the busy road.

Robert Syms agreed and said, “My view is that this is the wrong place for what they are planning. There must be a better use for what is a prime site.”

Previously used for light industrial work, the site is currently vacant save for a small cardboard and electrical recycling centre.

Matt Horan of C3IA Solutions, Tom Colbourne of TAC Projects and Jamie Turner of SMD Ltd, have businesses affected and met Mr Syms at Ling Road.

“The site is unsuited for food recycling because of the smell, the risk of rats and the extra traffic,” said Matt Horan. “It is also right next door to Tower Park, which is a huge leisure centre that has a water park with an outside element to it.

“There is also a desperate shortage of housing locally and being a large site, many homes could be built there, assuming the necessary planning consents could be obtained.

“Other waste recycling plants are situated away from centres of population and we feel there are sites more suited to this type of activity.”

The Draft Waste Plan has not been finalised yet but the council said a new waste recycling centre is required to meet the needs of the county over the next 15 years.