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Sackers recycling centre expansion faces opposition amid fire concerns

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At least 30 residents have objected to plans to expand a recycling yard in Great Blakenham that has experienced three serious fires.

The big picture: Sackers recycling centre has submitted a planning application to Suffolk County Council to extend its site, aiming to reduce fire risks. However, more than 30 local residents have objected to the plans.

Why it matters: The facility has seen multiple large-scale fires, including a recent blaze caused by a discarded battery.

A huge fire at Sackers in Great Blakenham, Ipswich
The most recent fire on August 8th needed 80 firefighters to bring it under controlOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The proposal: Sackers have submitted an application to extend the site. The application states the expansion would not increase the amount of materials stored, rather create smaller heaps of stored materials in order to lower large fire risks.

The company had previously announced plans to make "further investment" in firefighting equipment on-site.

The objections: Objections from local residents centre around fears of increased noise and traffic, while some remain unconvinced that the proposed solution will be effective in reducing the fire risk at the site.

The bottom line: While Sackers aims to improve safety with its expansion plans, residents' objections highlight ongoing concerns around increased noise and traffic.

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