Inspector approves extra lorry movements at Badnells

A Government inspector has given the go ahead for works vehicles to thunder through Maidenhead 300 times each day as part of the Badnells Pit clean-up.

Councillors and residents who failed in their bid to stop the increase have said they are 'disappointed ' by the decision.

The council had previously refused a planning application from the developers to increase daily lorry movements from 200 to 300 a day to allow the decontamination work to be completed quicker.

It said the increase in site traffic would adversely affect the living conditions and quality of life of nearby residents.
However, on Wednesday, the inspector overturned the decision on appeal.

An original planning condition had restricted the number of vehicle movements to 200 per day, including no more than 102 HGV movements (51 in and 51 out). The inspector's decision now means that the vehicle movements can increase to 300 per day, including up to 200 HGV movements (100 in and 100 out).

Contractors McArdles are due to start removing soil from the site next month.

Cllr Alison Knight, cabinet member for planning and development, said: ''The council fought hard against this appeal and naturally we are disappointed for those residents who will have to put up with increased noise, pollution and more. However, I do recognise that there were a number of residents who felt it was better to get it over and done in a shorter period of time and thus endure the increased lorry movements to achieve this.

''We will work with the developer to ensure that as far as possible disruption is minimised; and of course, safety remains our priority.''

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