‘Disappointed’ campaigners waste no time in response to Bath recycling centre approval
Campaigners have said they are “disappointed but entirely unsurprised” after plans for a new recycling centre in Bath were given the green light.
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s planning committee voted 6-3 on at a meeting today (April 9) to grant planning permission for the council’s own application for the new recycling centre on Locksbrook Road.
The site will replace the Midland Road Recycling Centre half a mile away, where 176 homes are set to be built.
Dr Steve Rocliffe of the Stop the Locksbrook Tip campaign said: “When you mark your own homework the result is always going to be a foregone conclusion.”
There were 189 people who lodged objections online, while five people had registered their support.
Dr Rocliffe said that campaigners could still look at judicial review and strategic litigation.
He said: “The fight goes on.”
The existing city recycling centre at Midland Road has planning permission for a mix of one, two and three bed homes for social rent, shared ownership and market sale as part of the Bath Western Riverside housing scheme.
The council said: “Plans to develop the former council Cleansing Depot site in Locksbrook Road, were submitted by Bath & North East Somerset Council in August 2024 following public engagement and a consultation.
“The initial plans were updated to incorporate feedback from residents, business and stakeholders and revised to address concerns around the trees, noise, lighting, traffic and accessibility within the site before being re-submitted to the planning authority.”
Construction is due to start in autumn 2025 and it is expected the new Bath Recycling Centre will open in summer 2026.
