ENVIRONMENT watchdogs SEPA have objected to plans to build a new waste recycling centre at New Droverhall Farm in Crossgates.

Plans for the the facility, which will be owned and operated by John Collier Plant Hire, have been submitted to Fife Council but the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has raised objections.

The proposed centre will concentrate on the recycling of construction and demolition waste from projects in the Fife area.

But in a letter to Fife Council’s Development Services, SEPA say there is a “lack of information to demonstrate that this development would set a framework for activities which could be consented by SEPA.” Among the agency’s concerns are the drainage from the proposed site along with issues relating to the waste management of the materials being recycled.

SEPA also stated in its letter that more information on the existing site drainage system and ‘on site sump’ was also required. As part of its application, John Collier said that it recognises its environmental responsibilities and cites its commitment to the continual improvement of its environmental performance as part of its environmental policy statement.

In its supporting statement, the company also stated that it also intends to submit a focused planning statement that addresses the perceived environmental aspects of the proposed development which include ecology, visual impact, noise, dust and archaeology.

The land that has been proposed for the new facility at New Droverhall Farm, which is owned by John Collier, is currently part of a farm compound area with a number of agricultural buildings.

Among the other consultees approached by the developers was Fife Council’s land & air quality team, which said it had no comments to make as it was “not qualified to comment on geotechnical matters relating to ground stability or foundation design.”The Coal Authority was also consulted due to the site being within an area which contains potential hazards arising from former coal mining activity.

The organisation deemed that as there would be no significant groundwork to the proposed plant, it was exempt from requiring a Coal Mining Risk Assessment.

Should planning permission be granted, John Collier Plant Hire will concentrate on the transport of aggregates from the recycling operation together with waste recovered from all types of construction and groundwork projects mainly located around Fife.

According to the documents submitted to the council. site operations could begin in September of this year.