Controversial Bath recycling centre plans changed after public outcry

Phoebe Hobbs
·3-min read
-Credit: (Image: Steve Rocliffe)
-Credit: (Image: Steve Rocliffe)


A controversial proposal for a new recycling hub in Bath has been changed by the council after receiving public feedback. The proposed hub, which have hoped to open on Locksbrook Road in late 2025, had received hundreds of objections during its initial planning stage.

Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) has planned to reroute the main drainage system through the centre of the site, move access from the river path and minimise the use of paved and hard surfaces to protect nearby trees.

The council has stressed that vans and trailers will not be allowed on site and that no waste will actually be processed at the hub. Instead, recycled materials will be taken to Keynsham Recycling Hub or a treatment facility.

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The detailed illustration submitted with the application shows how the site will be split into two operational areas: a facility for residents to park and dispose of household waste and recycling items, small recyclables and non-hazardous waste; and an area for the council’s Street Cleansing teams to deposit litter bin waste, street sweepings and weed waste and skips for collecting recycling.

The original plans sparked hundreds of objections and even a public protest, with fears being expressed for the hub's potential impact on road safety and the environment.

Councillor Tim Ball, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services said: “I’d like to thank all the residents and stakeholders who commented on the initial proposals, we’ve listened to all your feedback and amended the plans taking your comments into account. I would like to reiterate that no waste will be processed on site; all the materials collected will be taken on to treatment facilities outside of Bath. I encourage people to take a look at the revised proposals and let us know what they think.”

The proposed hub would accept household waste, cardboard, soft furnishings, bulky waste, garden waste, wood, scrap metal and large electrical items such as washing machines, as well as dry recyclables such as plastic, paper, cans and glass. Waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) small domestic appliances, TVs, fridges and freezers, car batteries, tyres, gas bottles, asbestos, plasterboard, gypsum, DIY including hardcore and rubble, soil and plasterboard are among the materials that will not be accepted at the new site.

Meanwhile, concerns around traffic have been addressed by a flexible booking system where a maximum of 14 cars will be on site in any 15-slot. There will also be a disabled bay, 11 drop-off points, five waiting bays, bicycle racks, and a place to park cargo bikes.

The proposed operational hours are Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm, and on Sunday from 9am to 1pm. Public opening hours would be Monday to Friday, from 8am with last booking slot 15.30pm; Saturday from 9am to 15.15pm; Sunday from 9am to 12.30pm.

Local people can comment on the revised proposal on the council's planning portal. The proposal could go before the planning committee in December or January.

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