Bedmax plans approved despite residents' concerns

Detchant-based horse bedding firm Bedmax has overcome objections from local residents to secure an extension to its production plant.
Bedmax, at Detchant near Belford.Bedmax, at Detchant near Belford.
Bedmax, at Detchant near Belford.

The scheme was approved after a lengthy discussion at Northumberland County Council’s Local Area Council meeting last week.

A secondary application to vary the conditions of a 1999 planning approval restricting use at the premises to production of woodshavings was also approved. The new condition covers the production of Hotmax/Stockmax as by-products.

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Residents of Detchant Association had raised significant concerns about piecemeal development of the site at Greymare Farm, as well as enforcement of traffic and noise conditions and the data being used to determine the application.

Andrew Hamilton, on behalf of a local resident, said: “Bedmax have to be commended for the fact they are a successful local business but continued development of this site has been detrimental to other local businesses and local residents.”

However, there were also nine letters of support.

John Wyatt, on behalf of Bedmax, said the extended production plant would house new machinery which would compress bedding tighter.

Coun Gordon Castle, moving approval, said: “I accept the concerns raised but they do not amount, in my opinion, to reason for refusal.”