Van permits

Why do we have a van permit system?

A van permit system was introduced in November 2002 to reduce that amount of trade and commercial waste being disposed of illegally at Chelson Meadow and West Mill civic amenity sites.

Our civic amenity sites are provided for Plymouth residents to dispose of their household waste. Unfortunately, we know that people from outside our area are using our sites. Traders wishing to avoid paying for the disposal of their wastes are also abusing the site. This is illegal, unfair to other businesses and puts extra pressure on Plymouth City Council budgets.

We want to provide good quality services for legitimate Plymouth residents. The permit system is fair and effective.

Who can apply for a van permit?

Private individuals who own private vans with no commercial signage, weighing under 2.5 tonnes may apply for a permit to dispose of their own personal household waste. We will not issue permits for hire vehicles.

We are unable to issue permits to anyone who lives outside the Plymouth City boundary. If you are beyond Plymouth’s boundary please contact your own local authority.

Where can I use a van permit?

Van permits are issued and accepted at Chelson Meadow civic amenity site. They are not permitted at Weston Mill for a number of reasons; the site is much smaller than Chelson Meadow, to alleviate the traffic problems and to allow clear monitoring of the van permit system.

Application process

Application can be in person at the Greenhouse at Chelson Meadow during office opening hours, see right hand column, (please not that the office is closed 12 noon to 1pm for lunch), or download an application form from the documents table below and send the completed form to Van Permit Applications, Chelson Meadow Landfill Facility, The Greenhouse, The Ride, Plymstock, Plymouth PL9 7JA.

The following information is required to complete your application:

• Proof of vehicle ownership - ie V5 Vehicle registration document, in instances where the vehicle is registered to a company please provide a letter on official headed paper giving permission for the vehicle to visit Chelson Meadow, also stating that the permit will be used for the disposal of your own personal household waste and acknowledge that under no circumstance should business/trade waste be disposed of on the permit.
• Proof of address - eg driving licence, recent utility bill, or council tax statement.

If you have any questions or comments about our policy, please telephone 01752 408408 or email vanpermits@plymouth.gov.uk.

Useful information

• We will not issue permits for hire vans.
• No permits will be issued to vehicles greater than 2.25 tonnes (unladen weight).
• Permits will only be issued once the applicant has provided proof of address (recent utility bill) and proof of vehicle ownership (registration document).
• Your permit will last for 12 months and allow you to use the site up to 12 times during that period, if you use the site more frequently, we reserve the right to investigate and if necessary withdraw your permit.
• The permit will be issued free of charge, but if you lose it, we will charge £10 for a replacement.
• Permits are not transferable - please let us know if you change your vehicle or your address, there is no charge for updating your permit in this way.
• We will only issue one permit per household and only one permit will be issued per vehicle.
• Plymouth City Council reserves the right to withdraw permits at any time.

Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us on 01752 408408 or email vanpermits@plymouth.gov.uk.

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