Noise fear over waste site plan

DUNMOW could be become a dumping ground for waste from Braintree according to Essex County Council employed consultants. The waste management centre, due to be built next to the Travelodge Hotel on Chelmsford Road, will bulk together household and commerc

DUNMOW could be become a dumping ground for waste from Braintree according to Essex County Council employed consultants.

The waste management centre, due to be built next to the Travelodge Hotel on Chelmsford Road, will bulk together household and commercial rubbish from surrounding towns ready to be sent off for recycling or landfill.

But homeowners living within metres of the site have accused the council of lying about noise levels and opening times, and questioned whether the site is in the best location.

Resident John Hockley spoke on behalf of the four homeowners who live there. He said: "We will have rubbish trucks coming and going practically all day and the noise will have a massive impact on our lives.

"We want some assurances that every other possible place to put his dump has been explored because at the moment we don't think that is the case.

"Why should Dunmow have to put up with treating other people's rubbish? If the council are serious they should compulsory purchase our houses and let us escape."

Speaking on behalf of the council, project consultant Howard Jones said that noise surveys had been conducted in the area.

"It is unlikely that there will be significant problems with noise, but all of the surveys will form part of the planning application and a consultation will take place," he said.

"The county council has a policy of having a centre within every six miles, so it is possible that waste could come here from Braintree.

"But we can confirm the centre will not be built until serious road improvements have been made at the nearby junction at Chelmsford Road - I have been told that traffic lights will be installed.