AN Oxfordshire construction firm has branded a decision to refuse planning permission to increase production as a ‘sad day for sustainability’.

Last week Oxfordshire County Council’s planning and regulation committee refused the Sheehan Group permission to increase a production cap on its advanced recycling plant – despite officers recommending it be approved.

Sheehan Haulage and Plant Hire confirmed it will go to appeal in a bid to have the decision overturned and if successful will apply to recover its costs.

Managing director Chris Sheehan said: “The officer’s recommendation was to grant planning permission, as our submission was in keeping with the council’s policy on recycling.

“Unfortunately, on occasions, local businesses are severely hampered by the planning and democratic process and in this case, it has not only damaged the local economy, it is also a very sad day for sustainability.

“The recycling plant is vital for sustainable construction in Oxfordshire.”

Since it was installed in Stanton Harcourt, near Oxford, in 2012 it has saved 500,000 tonnes of waste from UK landfill sites and the plant has existing capacity to save even more.

But planners turned down the request to increase a cap placed on the plant from 100,000 tonnes to 175,000 tonnes of waste per year.

The water treatment facility washes construction and demolition waste destined for landfill and turns it back into reusable aggregate.

Planning consent was refused after it was claimed increasing operational capacity would lead to extra Sheehan vehicles driving through the nearby village of Sutton.

When the planning was originally granted for the plant, Sheehan Haulage and Plant Hire agreed its vehicles would undertake a detour during peak hours to avoid impacting on Sutton.

The village is an Oxfordshire County Council designated lorry route and the officer’s report stated an independent traffic consultant concluded any impact would be ‘negligible’.

Finance Director Tara Sheehan said: “Planning is an expensive process and applicants should be given a completely fair hearing and we will be appealing.

“We are extremely proud of our contribution to recycling and sustainable construction in Oxfordshire and beyond. Our plant, the only one of its kind in the country, has saved 500,000 tonnes of waste from landfill and we are committed to taking that to the next level.

“It is a logical step that would have created jobs, helped the environment and put Oxford on the map as a recycling county.”

The Sheehan Group uses about half of the material in its own construction projects and sells the rest to contractors.

It is not yet known how long the appeal will take.