Modular office building at Waste Transfer Station, East Allington

“The submitted Design and Access Statement advises that “The purpose of the project is to replace the existing single storey office/welfare building and separate meeting room unit with a newly refurbished, single storey modular building. The current in situ unit is assessed as being at end of life and poses significant H&S concerns combined with welfare facilities that do not meet modern standards.”

“The proposed building will have a larger footprint (163m2) than the existing buildings (the larger building currently having a footprint of 112m2) but will not extend further into the open yard area to the south; the extended footprint being accommodated within an area of hard surfaced yard wrapping round the north of the existing buildings. Ramped access is provided to the rear.”

“The site comprises a Waste Transfer Station operated by South Hams District Council. The two portable buildings proposed to be replaced by this application are situated to the north of the site, a yard used for the parking of refuge collection and staff vehicles lies to the south.”

“The site is bounded to the north by a large parcel of land in open storage use and to the east, south and west by sites also in use for waste transfer and recycling, including a recycling centre operated by Devon County Council. Site boundaries comprise a mixture of hedging and metal fencing.”

“The existing buildings are understood to have effectively come to the end of their lives, and replacement is required for health and safety reasons and to meet the welfare needs of staff using the site.”

“As set out above, the application is considered compliant with the relevant policies of the JLP.”

“In response to questions raised, it was reported that: • If this was a completely new site with the change of use of land, then EV charging points would be included within the application. • This would not adversely affect any plans to install EV charging in the future. • The existing building has reached the end of its life span.”

“During the debate, Members supported the application but would like to see the installation of EV charging stations in the future.”