Controversial plans to build a new waste recycling facility are set to be decided today.

Ant Henshaw wants to expand his skip hire business on Turf Lane, on the Moss Estate, and start sorting through commercial and industrial waste.

But the scheme faces a battle to get permission with opposition from residents, councillor Damien Druce and Cheshire East Council’s development agency.

The proposals, which go in front of the council’s strategic planning committee in Crewe today, involve creating three large concrete bays to sort waste before it is sold to consumers or other recycling firms for processing.

It is proposed that the scheme will add 25 vehicle movements to and from the site for five and a half days a week, and increase the amount of waste processed on the site to 5,000 tonnes per year.

Noise from vehicle movements will be mitigated by re-surfacing a section of Turf Lane nearest to residents, according to the plans.

In planning documents, Mr Henshaw said the development “represents a much needed investment in waste management infrastructure within Macclefield”.

But ward councillor Damien Druce said he ‘wholeheartedly’ oppposed the plans.

He said: “The residents of Moss Lane want to see less waste operators trading and certainly do not want smaller operators expanding.

“It is in a built up residential area.

“It is both unfair and unacceptable.

“This application will create excessive noise and unpleasant smells for residents, in particular neighbouring properties.

“Moss Lane already suffers with a number of highway safety issues, problems with vehicular access and excessive vehicle movements, all of which will be exacerbated if this application is approved.”

In a statement, Cheshire East: Engine of the North, the council-owned company tasked with developing land for housing and employment, argues the development clashes with plans for the South Macclesfield Development Area (SMDA) for 1,100 homes, a new link road, playing fields, and leisure and retail developments.

Planning officers recommend the committee refuse the scheme on the grounds of the potential impact on residents and roads. Mr Henshaw could not be contacted for comment.