Plans to fit a fire tank and pump house at Hove tip have been approved unanimously by councillors.
The plans went through even though 10 neighbours – and Independent councillor Samer Bagaeen who represents Westdene and Hove Park ward – objected to the application by Veolia Environmental Services.
Councillor Bagaeen said that the structures would be too close to neighbouring properties and would add to existing concerns about noise.
Neighbours’ complaints included increased noise, smells and flies, visual impact, closeness to neighbours and lack of consultation.
Brighton and Hove City Council Planning Committee approved the proposals for the tip, in Modbury Way, off Old Shoreham Road, at a meeting at Hove Town Hall yesterday (Wednesday 1 October).
Councillors were told that the structures would be at least 11.4 metres (37ft) from the nearest boundary and 25 metres (82ft) from the nearest house.
The railway line is to the south of the site which is surrounded by trees and scrub screening. Councillors were also told that neither structure would be more than four metres (13ft) high.
Labour councillor Joy Robinson raised neighbours’ concerns about noise and was told the equipment would only be used in emergencies, with a weekly test during office hours.
Green councillor Kerry Pickett was concerned that, without the water tank, the waste site would not be able to function.
She was assured by Veolia’s contract manager Martin Benson that it would be able to function. He said that it was a recommendation from the Environment Agency.
Brighton and Hove Independent councillor Mark Earthey asked if the tank and pumphouse could be moved further east.
Mr Benson said that vehicles moved through the eastern side of the site and the structures were as far away from the boundary as possible to allow for movements.
Labour councillor Tobias Sheard took issue with the objections which he said seemed unrelated to the application.
“Things like issues around flies and the smell,” he said, “I imagine if the site catches fire it’s going to smell a hell of a lot worse than a tank full of water.
“The impact if it catches fire – a very flammable place – it’s going to have a big impact on lighting which this can help avoid happening. The objections are addressed by building this.”
Fellow Labour councillor Julie Cattell said that there had been fires at the Hollingdean recycling centre caused by lithium batteries.
Councillor Cattell said: “If I lived there, I would much rather have this tank there than the danger of a fire. I’m very please they are taking on board the recommendation of the Environment Agency.
“I think people just saw waste site and didn’t read further which happens quite often when people see site notices.”
Conservative councillor Carol Theobald said: “I was worried about the houses being near but they’re not that near … I would go with this for health and safety.”
