A new recycling centre that is set to concrete over an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) will cost the taxpayer £20,000 a year in rent, it has been claimed.
County Hall is coming under fire for its plans for the new £1.65m facility in Sheringham, with North Norfolk councillor Steffan Aquarone arguing they should be brought back to the drawing board to find a more suitable and cheaper location.
But Norfolk County Council say they have made the right decision following an investigation that considered a number of options and that it is yet to agree a lease with the landowner.
READ MORE: New recycling centre prompts objections
Mr Aquarone, who has been selected to be the Liberal Democrats parliamentary candidate at next year’s election, said: “Why is the County Council proposing to build on the site, concrete over an AONB, then still have to pay £20,000 in rent every year indefinitely for the use of the site?
“They have gone about it the wrong way round, designing the site before trying to find land it would fit on.
“The new recycling facility will cost enormous amounts of money but the NCC continue to neglect the continued case made to change the plans, find a cheaper alternative and avoid industrialising an AONB.”
Mr Aquarone would instead like to see NCC consider redesigning and expanding the current facility, which leaves a significant pot of money that could then be used to improve the junction that leads to the site from Holt Road to address the current traffic issues.
Alternatively, he believes there are a number of other potential sites that would be more suitable where the land could be bought outright while avoiding encroaching on the AONB.
One suggestion is a brownfield site at the Stone Hill industrial estate, which is already concreted and has its own access road.
READ MORE: Plans to shut Norfolk recycling centre prove controversial
NCC has said the Sheringham scheme is part of a county-wide effort to improve its recycling facilities, providing larger sites that include additions such as a reuse shop and a 'pay-as-you-throw' section for DIY waste.
A planning application was submitted in February and if approved the council will look to enter into a lease with the landowner.
Eric Vardy, cabinet member for environment and waste, said: “A number of options were investigated including extending the existing site, and re-locating operations where potential alternative sites in the area were considered.
“The proposed site, and its improved junction with the A148 Cromer Road, has been designed to modern standards, with a great deal of consideration to its visual and environmental impact to the local area.”
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