Plans for a major waste recycling plant near Chester-le-Street could be given the green light.
Durham County Council's planning officers have backed proposals for land west of Drum Road in the Drum Industrial Estate.
The site was previously occupied by Simpson Bros as a haulage depot and includes a purpose-built building and parking.
Now, an application by H.W Martin Waste Ltd wants to change the use of the site to a 'waste transfer and recycling station.'
This aims to "consolidate" the existing operations of Premier Waste Recycling Ltd from sites in the industrial estate and Washington.
If approved, the new plant would be used for the shredding and sorting of "confidential waste", general waste and recyclable materials.
However, the site will not accept soils and waste demolition material and won't be open to the public.
Under current plans, the northern part of the site is sidelined as a parking area with three planned demountable buildings aiming to provide a driver's canteen, training room, washroom and lockers.
And the proposed development will operate 24/7 with up to 24 vehicle movements expected every hour.
While county planners have recommended the waste plant for approval, they have also called for conditions around noise reduction and an electric vehicle charging point being provided on site.
A report adds: "The proposed development would make use of an existing building and hardstanding area that was purpose-built for industrial use.
"This change of use would facilitate the relocation and consolidation of two existing waste and haulage depots on to a single, large site
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"Planning policy is generally supportive towards sustainable waste management initiatives and seeks to locate waste management facilities within fully contained well designed buildings.
"The proposal would be located within an existing building with ancillary development adjacent with good access to the strategic road network."
H.W Martin Waste Ltd and Premier Waste Recycling Ltd form part of the H.W Martin Group of Companies and manage waste and recyclable materials for households and businesses.
According to planning documents,the new plant is expected to secure up to 64 full-time jobs with the majority linked to relocation from the company's two existing sites.
A final decision on the application will be made by the County Planning Committee on Tuesday, May 7.
The meeting starts at 1pm at Durham County Hall and for more information, visit: democracy.durham.gov.uk
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