By Maria Zaccaro, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to recycle metal at an industrial estate in Portswood have been approved.
The site, at 93-99 Belgrave Road, is to be used to separate, sort and dismantle metal items set to be recycled.
The plans put forward by South Coast Metal Recycling Ltd sparked a debate among local residents who sent 81 letters to Southampton City Council.
Of those, 38 were in favour and 42 against.
Some of those in favour highlighted the benefits of recycling and the potential for new jobs as a result of the development.
But others included those concerned over potential noise impact and pollution.
Speaking at the meeting of the Planning and Rights of Way Panel at Southampton City Council, local resident Jamie Hanna said that residents understand the site is an industrial estate but he added: “Surely there should be a more suitable site for this kind of operation.”
Resident Dan Devine also raised concerns over noise and the proposed mitigation measures.
Portswood councillor John Savage speaking against the plans. He said:"This is going to be a terribly noisy environment."
— Maria G Zaccaro (@MariaG_Zaccaro) June 1, 2021
Portswood councillor John Savage asked the panel to refuse the plans.
He said:”This is a nightmare waiting to happen for these people. This is going to be a terribly noisy environment.”
But David Jobbins, speaking on behalf of the applicant, stressed that a number of mitigation measures would be in place.
These would include a total of four lorry movements (into the site) each day associated with all loading and unloading operations set to take place behind an acoustic barrier.
A planning officer said: "We are convinced that there isn't going to be a harmful impact on human health. That is not to say that there won't be a noise impact but we don't think it's going to be a significant impact."
— Maria G Zaccaro (@MariaG_Zaccaro) June 1, 2021
The site is also expected to operate Monday to Friday only from 08:30am to 6pm.
Mr Jobbins said that environmental officers did not raise concerns.
General view of Belgrave Road
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