Food waste will not be deposited and transferred in Newhaven, Lewes District Council confirms

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Lewes District Council confirmed this week that food waste will not be deposited and transferred in Newhaven.

The council said it is now set to partner with a specialist waste and recycling management company near Lewes instead.

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The announcement follows an outcry earlier this year when planning approval was granted on April 17 for a new EV Food Waste depot at the Lewes Road site of the old household waste and recycling centre in Newhaven.

A 'Stop the Slops' protest against the food waste facility in Newhaven in spring 2024A 'Stop the Slops' protest against the food waste facility in Newhaven in spring 2024
A 'Stop the Slops' protest against the food waste facility in Newhaven in spring 2024

Commenting on the recent announcement, councillor Wendy Maples, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Wellbeing, said: “I know this news will be welcomed by the residents who were concerned. As promised, we listened and paused so we could reflect on the previous plans and consider all our options. During the pause a new site arose which will better meet the needs of the district and means we will not bring food waste into Newhaven. We remain committed to increasing levels of recycling in the district, including composting food waste, so I’m delighted that we have been able to identify an alternative site to make this happen.”

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Lewes District Council said the ‘satellite’ site in Newhaven will now only see the electric vehicles parked up for charging (including new electricity substation), cycle racks installed for staff and container storage for wheelie bins. The council said there will also be work to reinforce the site’s security, as well as improved landscaping and site management.

The council added that a new planning application has now been submitted and is awaiting validation.

Councillor Maples said: “I’m always grateful to hear what residents think. Listening to residents and taking time for a re-think has come good and I am really pleased we’ve been able to find a positive alternative solution to a key decision that is integral to our sustainability and carbon emission reduction targets.”

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Visit www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/SatelliteDepotFAQs to find out more about the updated proposals.

The council said the Lewes Road site is currently owned by East Sussex County Council and has mostly been vacant for years but it has sometimes been used for storage.

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