New waste operations depot and solar farm approved for Hailsham
Publish Date: 23 July 2026
Planning permission has been granted by Wealden District Council’s councillors for a new waste operations depot and solar farm in North Hailsham.
The planning application was discussed yesterday at Wealden District Council’s Planning Committee meeting. Councillors agreed that a new site is needed as the existing depot at Amberstone is at full capacity and has no room to expand.
The application includes the development of a waste vehicle operations depot facility alongside a solar panel array, which will help meet the depot’s electricity needs. Vehicular access to the site will be provided via a new roundabout junction onto the A267.
The development will provide sufficient space to accommodate an expanded fleet, a vehicle workshop, administrative offices, and staff welfare and crew facilities.
The electricity generated by the solar panels and will be used solely to power the waste depot and its day-to-day operations, thereby supporting the Council’s objectives of delivering more energy efficient, sustainable service delivery.
Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said, “With the new food waste collection being introduced and the Amberstone depot being at full capacity, the council needs a site that can meet future needs for the services. This new depot has been designed with sustainability in mind and will help power the site with clean energy. It’s about delivering reliable waste collection services residents need while protecting the environment and helping nature thrive in the surrounding area.”
For more information on the project, please visit the council’s engagement hub or planning application details are available on the council’s planning portal here.