Plans have been submitted to expand Chapel Gate Eco Park at Parley near Christchurch.
Eco Sustainable Solutions says its application to BCP Council would improve efficiency at the 15.8-hectare site, with new AI-led materials recovery technology to pre-sort waste before it reaches the on-site Energy Recovery Facility.
The company says the changes would allow an extra 25,000 tonnes of recyclable material to be processed each year, while increasing green waste and wood waste recycling capacity by 5,000 tonnes each.
The proposals would also increase the site’s ability to handle local residual waste from 60,000 to 105,000 tonnes a year, with more recoverable material removed before non-recyclable waste is converted into electricity and heat.
Eco says the expanded facility would generate enough energy to heat and power more than 14,000 homes each year, while reducing reliance on landfill and the need to move waste long distances for treatment.
The plans also include more local food waste recycling, around 30 additional jobs, and a new office, welfare, visitor and education facility at the Chapel Lane site.
A public consultation and exhibition was held at the site on 1 May 2026.
Mike Eborne, Eco’s Technical Development Director, said the scheme would help the company “recycle more local material” and “recover valuable resources”.
If the planning application is approved, construction could begin in 2029.
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