Recent waste fires prompt call for council to rethink siting of huge new recycling centre in Milton Keynes
MK City Council is being urged to rethink its proposed new Household Waste Recycling Centre near city estates after a series of recent fires at waste and recycling facilities brought renewed attention to the risks
The council has this month submitted a planning application for the new facility to be built at Andersen Gate on Snelshall West – despite significant opposition from residents and ward Conservative councillors.
Tattenhoe’s Cllr Shazna Muzammil, who is the Tory group leader, says the location remains “fundamentally wrong” because it is too close to schools and homes Tattenhoe Park and just over 50m from a recently-built children's play area and community centre.
Directly opposite the proposed site are established businesses including Cranswick's food manufacturing operation and Suzuki.
Her view has been amplified by the recent fires at city waste sites, including one involving up to 100 tonnes of rubbish at Bleak Hall’s Smith Recycling last week.
Cllr Muzammil said: “This new recycling centre is planned to replace all three of our existing sites at Bleak Hall, Newport Pagnell and New Bradwell. We are talking about a major facility being placed very close to people's homes, children's play areas and community facilities.
“I appreciate that nobody can predict when or where a fire will happen. But we need to do everything possible to minimise the risks and protect our residents.
“After the serious fires we have seen at waste and recycling sites recently, I think the council needs to stop and reconsider whether this is the right place for such a facility.
“We only have to look at the fire at Bleak Hall a few days ago and the amount of smoke that could be seen across Milton Keynes. What would happen if there were a significant fire at Andersen Gate? What would it mean for families living nearby, children using the play areas, people working directly oppositethe site and a food manufacturing facility across the road?”
The Conservatives say the risks are too high and the council needs to completely rethink the location.
You can view the application and submit comments through Milton Keynes City Council's online planning register by searching for PLN/2026/1600.