Lib Dems Demand Halt to Controversial Willerby Waste Facility Expansion

​The Liberal Democrats have formally called for plans to expand the Waste Recovery and Transfer Facility on Albion Lane in Willerby to be blocked, warning that the proposed scale will cause severe disruption for nearby residents.

​In a comprehensive letter of objection, East Riding Liberal Democrats Environment Spokesperson Cllr Phil Redshaw warned that the proposed expansion to a capacity of 125,000 tonnes per annum represents an unacceptable intensification of an already problematic site.

​Odour and Amenity Concerns
​Addressing the persistent issues surrounding the facility, operated by FCC Environment and Wastewise, Cllr Redshaw pointed to unresolved historical complaints from neighboring communities.

​"Residents of Willerby and Cottingham have experienced persistent and intrusive odour from the existing site for many years," . "This has materially affected the enjoyment of homes and gardens. Previous assurances and mitigations have not resolved these problems." Cllr Phil Redshaw 
​The Liberal Democrats argue that planning permission must not be granted based on unproven promises while current issues remain unaddressed, noting: "The applicant has not demonstrated that a facility handling 125,000 tonnes per annum is appropriate in this location given its proximity to established and expanding residential areas."
Cllr Phil Redshaw 

​Traffic and Environmental Pressures
​Beyond odour, the objection highlights major concerns regarding heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic, noise, air quality, and overall infrastructure capacity.
​"The proposed scale of operation will generate significant HGV movements," "The scale of the proposed operation should be assessed against the actual capacity and characteristics of the local road network, rather than simply assuming that additional HGV movements can be accommodated." Cllr Phil Redshaw 

​The Liberal Democrats urge planners to look at the cumulative impact on local air quality, vibration, and light pollution rather than assessing the new facility in isolation.
​Calls for Accountability and Engagement
​Critiquing the public consultation process, Cllr Redshaw labeled the community engagement as inadequate, citing short notice and poorly timed public exhibitions. He insisted that the operators must prove the genuine regional need for the 125,000-tonne capacity while resolving existing problems before asking for expansion.
​"The central planning concern is the proposed intensification of a site where significant existing impacts have not been satisfactorily resolved,""I ask FCC Environment and Wastewise to reconsider the scale of the proposal and to address the existing site’s environmental impacts before pursuing further intensification." Cllr Phil Redshaw ³

​The Liberal Democrats are calling for any future planning submissions to be backed by enforceable planning conditions, robust evidence on waste capacity, and rigorous environmental impact assessments.
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FCC Environment is currently conducting a public consultation regarding the proposed Willerby Waste Recovery and Transfer Facility. This consultation provides an opportunity for local residents to share feedback, and submit objections to the proposed expansion.​You can participate and submit your views online at: https://willerby.fccenvironment.co.uk/

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