Hello Skips granted O-licence with conditions

An O-licence application by a Chichester skip operator has been granted, but with a number of conditions following local opposition.

Hello Skips had applied for a licence for four vehicles to operate from Oakham Farm. Previously the site had been approved for use by another company, Skips Direct. That firm’s O-licence was revoked in 2016. 

Residents told a public inquiry (PI) that they had been disturbed by large goods vehicles using the farm, which is currently authorised and used as a waste transfer site. 

Nevertheless deputy traffic commissioner (DTC) John Baker approved the latest application for four vehicles, subject to a number of conditions.

These included a gross plated weight restriction of 18 tonnes with only rigid vehicles permitted; no operations except between 7am and 6pm on weekdays and 8am and 1pm on Saturday with maintenance times also restricted; when leaving the site authorised vehicles must give way to oncoming vehicles; and all authorised vehicles must be fitted with white noise/broadband reversing alarms rather than single tone bleeping alarms. 

The DTC heard from two residents about their concerns.

The DTC wrote in his written decision: “Whilst it was agreed that the nearest properties to the operating centre were approximately 420 metres distant they both emphasised the disturbance and difficulty that have been created by the use of the site by large goods vehicles.”

The PI also heard confirmation that there were no links between Hello Skips and the previous O-licence holder at the site, Skips Direct.

The DTC said: “Having heard from the director Charles Willard and the supporting evidence from the site owner Mr Ward I am satisfied that the links between the applicant and other previous operators are not matters of concern and that as a consequence the test of fitness to hold a licence is met.”

However, the DTC did require an undertaking that previous licence holder Keith Pleskett should play no part in the management of the new licence.

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