MORE than 20 jobs could be created if Network Rail wins approval for another major expansion of Whitemoor Yard, March, Cambs. Residents are being asked to have their say on a planning application for a new national railway materials recycling facility to

MORE than 20 jobs could be created if Network Rail wins approval for another major expansion of Whitemoor Yard, March, Cambs.

Residents are being asked to have their say on a planning application for a new national railway materials recycling facility to be sited in the town.

A public exhibition will be held on Wednesday April 22, from 1pm to 9pm at March Town Hall in the Market Place, March. People can view the proposals made by Network Rail for a new National Track Materials Recycling Centre.

Planning Officers from Cambridgeshire County Council will be available at the exhibition to answer questions and to provide information about the planning application and the planning process.

The proposed recycling centre will enable Network Rail to sort, clean, process, recycle and re-use railway materials, including old concrete and timber sleepers, and steel railway line and fittings. The site will also allow for the washing of contaminated ballast for reuse

The proposed 25-hectare site is next to Network Rail's existing site off Hundred Road, March and would be accessed from Hostmoor Industrial Estate.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor John West, Chairman of the Whitemoor Liaison Forum, said: "These proposals have been put forward by Network Rail and is the second phase of their plans to turn Whitemoor and indeed Fenland into the national centre track materials recycling facility and has the potential to create more than 20 jobs.

"We want to see as many people as possible to look at the proposals and make their comments so they can be taken into account."

As part of the planning process, a formal consultation will run until Tuesday 2nd June, after which a decision will be made at a meeting of the County Council's Development Control Committee either on July 9,

2009 or September 10, 2009.

To give your comments on this application or for further information, contact the Planning Team on 01223 718723 or email planningdc@cambridgeshire.gov.uk ENDS