A NEW cycle lane has been blamed for traffic jams near a tip - and lorries could now start visiting the site early in the morning to beat traffic but neighbours are concerned about noise, smells and rats.
Queues are said to have become more common the Old Shoreham Road since the introduction of a cycle lane last May and this has had an impact on Hove Recycling Centre.
The site's operator, Veolia, wants rubbish trucks to be able to use the tip from an hour earlier – 7am – three days a week and not at weekends.
The plan is backed by the council’s environmental protection team, but 20 neighbours have objected, and they are worried about more noise, smells and vermin.
One neighbour, whose details were redacted by the council, said: “Moving operating hours to begin at 7am is not acceptable.
“For many residents, their day doesn’t start that early, and we all need uninterrupted sleep.
“As previously stated, in a tightly packed residential area, an earlier start would cause noise levels to rise, which again affects property prices and health.
“If it was situated away from a busy area populated with families and elderly residents, I’m sure there would not be a problem, but it’s not desired on our doorstep.”
The site backs on to homes in Aldrington Avenue to the west and to Hove Technology Centre to the east.
A report to the council's planning committee said no noise complaints had been received for at least four years.
However, another anonymous neighbour sad: “We are often disturbed by noise from the vehicles and machinery on the site – sometimes horrendous bangs vibrate through the ground.
“There is already massive traffic congestion, safety and air pollution problems at the Old Shoreham Road entrance.
“The appalling air pollution is genuinely choking. The frequent hooting and loud exchange of expletives between drivers is not a pleasant experience.”
Some neighbours are said to be worried about the prospect of food waste processing but the report said that this was not included in the application to vary the planning conditions governing the use of the site.
A meeting will be held next Wednesday to discuss the plans.
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