Recycling centre shop faces council officers block

Plans for a permanent new waste reuse shop in Derby have hit a stumbling block after council officers objected to part of it.

The Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) at Raynesway has hosted a number of 'pop up' shops were people could buy specially selected items from those left there.

The idea of making the shop permanent was discussed by Derby City Council in 2023 and received public support on social media.

But now the council's transport department has said it would not support an application to open such a shop on Sundays - as this has become by far the most popular day since its booking rules were suspended.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the shop would allow people to buy "good condition" items taken in by residents as junk and in doing so helping the environment.

A number of residents responded to the proposal on social media, with several calling it a "great idea"

In December 2023, it was reported a senior council director told councillors at a meeting the shop was in the "late development" stages and a timeline for its opening was being prepared.

Despite further one day 'pop-up' shops no new developments had emerged.

Now city council documents have show a debate next week will examine changes made at Raynesway over the past eight months.

The main discussion will focus on the removal of the booked slots system on Sundays – which has seen visitor numbers almost doubled for that day of the week.

Positives, the report said, include "the free sessions provide more choice for customers, recycling levels have been maintained, and concerns around queueing traffic have not materialised to the extent anticipated".

But it also reveals the council's own transport department will not support required planning permission for a shop on Sunday.

It said: "Traffic and transportation will not support planning permission for a shop to operate on days booking is not required."

However the report does not detail exactly why this objection has been made.

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