Fire Safety Boost Approved for Hove Tip Despite Residents’ Concerns

Plans to install a new fire tank and pump house at Hove’s waste and recycling site have been given the go-ahead — despite objections from neighbours.

Councillors voted unanimously to approve Veolia Environmental Services’ application for the Modbury Way site on Wednesday (1 October).

Ten residents, along with Independent councillor Samer Bagaeen, raised concerns about noise, smells, flies and the impact on nearby homes. But the Planning Committee was told the equipment would only be used in emergencies, with a weekly test during office hours.

Labour councillor Tobias Sheard said many objections were unrelated to the application, adding:

“If the site catches fire, it’s going to smell a hell of a lot worse than a tank full of water.”

Fellow councillors pointed out recent fires at other waste centres, including Hollingdean, caused by lithium batteries. Labour’s Julie Cattell said she would “much rather have this tank than the danger of a fire.”

Veolia said the installation was recommended by the Environment Agency and that the structures — no more than four metres high — would be screened by trees and scrub, and kept as far from homes as possible.

The decision means the tip can improve its fire safety without disrupting its day-to-day operations.