Fire safety, noise levels and the number of lorries coming in and out of the site have been raised in response to a proposed expansion of a waste recycling centre. 

People living near to the Sackers Scrap Yard and Recycling Centre in Great Blakenham, near Ipswich, have voiced their concerns after the firm submitted plans to extend its site in Gipping Road. 

In plans submitted to Suffolk County Council last month, it was revealed the proposed extension along the western boundary would allow it to “operate more efficiently and safely”. 

Plans were submitted at the end of AugustPlans were submitted at the end of August (Image: SFRS)

A planning statement said there would be a “far lower risk” of fires if the plans are given the go-ahead due to the piles of metal being lower and easier to contain. 

Fire safety levels at the site have been in the spotlight following a blaze, caused by a battery, which saw dozens of firefighters from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service called to the scene last month.

Objecting to the plans, one resident said: “I do have concerns about the noise level already. I can’t believe it won’t increase if the work is moved closer to our house.”

“Given three fires in 18 months, this poses a huge safety concern,” another objection read. 

Another resident stated they believed the “fire risk would not be reduced” and that a “bigger site equals more traffic”.

In the application put forward to the council, planners said material is currently stored in heaps of up to 800 tonnes. 

However, additional space would allow for smaller piles of 100 tonnes and for fire breaks to be incorporated. 

The report added: “It was acknowledge that the purpose of the proposed development is to enhance site operations in relation to safety, with the aim of reducing fire risk and how fires could potentially spread on the site.”