An Elstree composting centre will not be allowed to expand after a planning application to increase the number of lorries using its site was turned down.

Hertfordshire County Council's Development Control Committee rejected Reviva Composting's retrospective application for Woodcock Hill Farm, off Barnet Lane, at a meeting on Tuesday.The company had hoped to increase its recycling operations by adding to the number of lorries coming in and out of the site, from a maximum of 60 to 100 on weekdays and from 40 to 60 on Saturdays.A separate application allowing five vehicles of more than 7.5 tonnes at the site on a working day was also refused.Sue Davidson, head of the council's County Development Unit, said: "While we do need facilities in the county to recycle green and organic waste, the committee did not consider that intensifying the current operations at this Green Belt site could be justified."It was clear the impact on the local environment would have resulted in an unacceptable visual impact and on the quality of life for those living near the site."We are particularly concerned that current controls are not being met, and the committee has agreed that formal enforcement action should be taken to prevent further unauthorised use of the site."The site received planning permission for composting green and organic waste in 1999, subject to a range of conditions including restrictions on lorry movements.Members of the committee felt additional journeys would be inappropriate and that there were no special circumstances which would compensate for harm to the Green Belt.Councillors also heard that there had been regular complaints about the current work at the site and that access was an issue because of the farm's location at the bottom of two steep hills.Lucy Stone, of Bidwells Faulkner, the agent acting on behalf of Garry Lewis, Reviva waste manager, said: "We submitted the applications because the new operating methods we use mean waste can be turned around a lot more quickly. "The application was to allow for the optimum levels of recycling."Reviva Composting is disappointed with the outcome. At this stage the company is implementing measures to ensure the business remains viable."