FENCING and a swing gate at a proposed waste transfer station on Winwick Road are expected to cost up to £20,000.

The development management committee approved the council's application for fencing and a swing gate at the site – between Shell petrol station and the access road to Winwick Road Skip Hire – last Wednesday.

The council confirmed the £20,000 is included in the estimated £7.83 million project cost.

However, it covers fencing around the whole site, some of which did not require planning permission.

The application related to fencing, along with the gate, facing the road.

The authority said the fence will restrict the potential for further trespass and vandalism to the site, prevent further contamination to the site brought about by historic fly-tipping, allow invasive plant species to be adequately controlled, prevent their further spread and ultimately eradicated and help to ensure a safe, controlled access into the site to allow for survey works to be completed.

A council spokesman said: "Regardless of the end use of the site these works are essential to ensure that the council continues to protect and enhance the value of its land assets.

"Any future developments would be subject to their own, separate planning permission and the council will engage with residents, ward members and the MP on any plans."

The revenue saving anticipated to be generated by building the station is in the region of £350,000 to 400,000 per year.

The station could be operating by February 2020.