PLANS by a Carlisle-based recycling firm to permanently increase its operating hours have been given the green light this week despite concerns over noise and light pollution.

North West Recycling Ltd, based on the Kingmoor Park industrial estate, applied to continue its processing work in two of its units up to 10.45pm.

The move followed a 12-month trial of the new working hours which was given permission by the planning panel in in May of last year.

The changes relate only to the work carried out inside the buildings, rather than delivery to or removal from the site, or the movement of waste between the two buildings.

But the site, which is based close to the entrance to the Rockcliffe Estate, had sparked objections from Rockcliffe parish council who have concerns over issues including noise, light pollution and “abuse of presently agreed operating hours”.

They had also raised concerns over the rights of residents in relation to the Human Rights Act; a “lack of monitoring” of waste types handled; and the effect of night-time working on migrating birds and nocturnal animals.

Responding to the concerns, the county council planning report stressed that there was “no proposed change” in the present lighting arrangements, which are for security and the safety of site personnel.

Planning chiefs also felt that the impact of the flood lighting at the nearby railway marshalling yard was likely to have a “much greater impact” than the dozen or so downward pointing lights attached to the units.

The report also said that the law allowed “limited impacts on human rights” if they were “proportionate” to the wider needs of society.

It also concluded that waste types handled at the site were not a planning matter and were regulated by the Environment Agency which took any breaches “very seriously”.

Because evening operations would be confined to the buildings, the report said the extended working hours would make “little difference” to wildlife.

The plans had been recommended for approval subject to conditions.