CONTROVERSIAL plans to recycle builders’ waste in Winchester have got the green light despite objections.

The county council’s regulatory committee approved a scheme for a new waste transfer station at Barfield Close on Bar End industrial estate.

But the nearest homes in Domum Road and Bar End Road are just 12 metres from the site. Residents’ concerns include increased noise, dust and extra lorries.

The site is also sensitive because it is close to the River Itchen, historic buildings at Winchester College and Wolvesey Castle and within 65 metres of South Downs National Park.

However the site is already used as a scrapyard despite being in the middle of a residential area.

In addition to granting permission for a new depot for builders’ waste, councillors approved continued use of the site to recycle metal, paper, cardboard and plastic.

Cllr Fiona Mather, who represents the area, urged the committee to reject the proposals.

The Tory county councillor said it was “a totally inappropriate location for this sort of operation.”

The new depot will mean an extra 10,000 tonnes of builders’ waste will be recycled at the site on top of the 15,000 tonnes it already handles.

And there will be 12 extra HGVs visiting per day, making 27 in total. About 19 residents wrote letters of objection to the county council.

The site is next to the new city council depot to be operated by its contractor, BIFFA.

Cllr Mather said she was concerned “noise and disruption” from both sites would mean locals could no longer enjoy their gardens.

The new depot will be open between 7.30am and 6.30pm from Monday to Friday and between 7.30am and 2pm on Saturday.

However Phil Tidridge, city council scientific officer, said although there would be some noise from the new depot, it would “not be seriously detrimental.”

The physical sorting of the waste will take place inside a new sound-proofed building with HGVs reversing into it.

There will be no concrete crushing on the site. Other measures to reduce noise include an acoustic wall.

Noise levels will be regularly monitored with a maximum permitted level of 45 decibels.