Green light for extension at Vellco Tyre Control in Weaverthorpe

The application from Vellco Tyre Control was for two new industrial tyre storage units at its site in Ropery Lane, Weaverthorpe, as well as the formation of a “landscaped buffer” to the northern, eastern and southern boundaries.

Between them, the two units will be about 7,000 square metres in size.

Vellco estimated the expansion will create between five and eight jobs in Weaverthorpe, adding to the 35 already there.

But the parish council voiced concerns about the proposed removal of a bank of mature trees which were planted as a screen in the 1970s, as well as the increased HGV movements through the village and the potential danger caused by large vehicles moving down the narrow Ropery Lane.

Ecological surveys had revealed that the existing trees are important for wildlife and a variety of bird species.

Application agent Andrew Windress said they had responded to concerns and that the scheme had been revised. A hedge and assorted trees would be planted in an effort to replace the existing trees.

“It’s attempting to achieve the right balance,” he said, adding that the hours of operation would be altered from 7am to 7pm to 7am to 6pm to address local concerns about noise in the evening, and that Vellco had offered to create a footway on Ropery Lane.

Cllr Elizabeth Shields said: “I’m concerned about those trees - the proposal isn’t going to be anything like what’s there at the moment.”

Cllr Mike Potter pushed for a condition that would ensure the site is big enough that HGVs will be able to leave the site in forward gear, without having to reverse out onto the narrow Ropery Lane.

Approval was recommended by officers with a range of conditions, including the requirement of a landscaping scheme.

Cllr Potter said: “If adhered to, the conditions should mitigate all the issues.”

The committee voted to approve the application, with nine votes for and one abstention.