Devon waste vehicle depot plans approved despite fears

A Devon village is getting a new waste vehicle depot despite concerns raised by locals who did not want it.

Torridge District Council's plans committee approved the proposals in Manteo Way in East-the-Water, near Bideford, by seven votes to one, with one abstention.

The committee was told 64 people had voiced concerns about the site being just 35m (115ft) from a residential development along with smells, air pollution, highway safety and loss of wildlife and habitats.

But the council green-lit the plans due to there being a "desperate need" for the depot.

The committee heard three existing depots in Holsworthy, Torrington and Bideford - which are no longer fit for purpose - would all be incorporated into the new facility.

Councillors were also told a depot for the district was a quarter of a century overdue, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said .

Huw Thomas, Green councillor for Bideford East, voted against the plans and said the proposals should go to an independent planning inspector.

"This is a charade," he said.

"There has been a lack of options given to both councillors and the public and a lack of scrutiny by councillors."

Other committee members raised concerns about the plans, but councillor Chris Leather - lead member for operational services - said he did not believe there would be a detrimental impact.

"I think this proposal is fantastic," he said.

Council vice-chairman Doug Smith added the authority could not wait another 25 years for a depot as if there was going to be 35% more households in the future it needed more facilities to cope.