Plans for a new waste transfer station at Halton East have been submitted by the operators of Skipton’s soon-to-close Skibeden landfill site.

Yorwaste hopes to build a replacement station at Halton East Quarry, currently operated by Aggregate Industries, to coincide with the closure of the Skibeden site in the spring or summer of next year.

It is planned that the site will handle 33,000 tonnes of waste every year from Craven – including general, black bag waste, garden waste and recyclable materials, such as plastic, cans, paper and cardboard.

In addition, it is expected to receive a small amount of commercial waste and all will go to the Yorwaste Resource Recovery Centre at Harewood Whin in York.

Steve Grieve, Yorwaste managing director, said a meeting had been held with Halton East residents when the company had outlined its plans and answered questions.

The company has said that all operations will be carried out within a steel-framed building and additional screening will be erected around the whole site.

Operations will take place during normal working hours, vehicle movements will be kept to a minimum and the station will be subject to controls specified under an Environmental Permit – issued and regulated by the Environment Agency.

“We had a very positive meeting with residents where we discussed the steps we have taken and will take to be a good neighbour to minimise the impact of a waste transfer station on the community,” said Mr Grieve.

“Yorwaste has operated the same type of facility in other parts of Yorkshire for many years without complaint and, subject to planning approval, we expect the one at Halton East to be no different.

“The site was selected following a thorough search and its position, well screened from local properties and combined with good transport links, made it the most suitable location.”

He added: “Once it is operational, we expect it to make a positive contribution to the diversion of waste from landfill and an increase in the amount of waste that is recovered and recycled.”

The application has been submitted to North Yorkshire County Council and, if approved, work on the Halton East site will start next year.