A waste management operator running a rail-linked site in Stewartby has applied for retrospective planning permission after building and operating in a way that differs from the original approval.
FCC Environment has submitted an application to Bedford Borough Council to “regularise” changes at the rail sidings site off Green Lane.
Planning documents state the scheme now in use differs from the 2022 permission and seeks to retrospectively approve amendments to the layout, operations and working hours.
Changes include the removal of one of the approved rail lines, alterations to on-site operations, and the installation of new infrastructure such as a staff compound, tanks and a concrete block wall.
Also, incoming material is now being “temporarily” stockpiled to the north of the lines for a “short period of time” (less than 24 hours), instead of being loaded straight into HGVs.
The application also says that around 10 to 15 metres of an approved acoustic barrier has not been installed, to allow for an emergency access route.
The operator is also seeking temporary permission to extend weekday operating hours for unloading trains from 6.30pm to 11.30pm, although lorry movements would remain “restricted” to daytime hours.
The application said the changes reflect “real-world requirements” and aim to improve efficiency, including allowing material to be temporarily stockpiled before being loaded onto HGVs.
More information can be found on the council’s planning portal, reference 26/00691/S73WM.
The overall consultation expiry date is Friday, 22 May 2026.
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
