Somerset County Council’s decision to halt activities at South West Wood Products in Meare has been described as the ‘right outcome’ by the village’s MP.
James Heappey MP has been supporting Meare residents in their opposition to the processing of waste products in the village, particularly the amount of HGV lorry movement.
Back in September Mr Heappey chaired a public meeting which was attended by nearly 150 people where residents could raise their concerns directly with the Council and Environment Agency. He has also been in regular contact with local residents, the Environment Agency and the County Council over the past two years.
Somerset County Council has concluded the current activities are not acceptable in planning terms and has ordered they now be stopped.
Mr Heappey said: “South West Wood Products is an impressive and growing business operating in an important part of our economy but it is simply in the wrong place for an operation of that scale.
“I am delighted that the County Council has listened to residents’ concerns and has decided the operations at the site should cease.
“This is the right outcome and whilst I celebrate the success of our campaign with local residents, I also stand ready to work with South West Wood Products to identify a more appropriate site elsewhere and to work with the land owner on whatever plans they may have for a more suitable use for the site in the future.”