Plymouth City Council Waste Local Development Document ... · • The need to facilitate waste minimisation; ... • The legislative and policy imperatives that influence how the

Plymouth City Council

Waste Local Development Document Options Report

Supporting Document for the Waste Core Strategy and Waste Local Development Preferred Options Report

4 July 2005

Entec UK Limited

Report for Plymouth City Council

Main Contributors Ian Cromie Claire Brown John Hall Paul Williamson

Issued by ………………………………………………………… John Hall

Approved by ………………………………………………………… Ian Cromie

Entec UK Limited Canon Court Abbey Lawn Abbey Foregate Shrewsbury SY2 5DE England Tel: +44 (0) 1743 342000 Fax: +44 (0) 1743 342010

h:\projects\ea-210\15695 plymouth waste development document\docs\rr055i2 options report.doc

Plymouth City Council

Waste Local Development Document Options Report

Supporting Document for the Waste Core Strategy and Waste Local Development Preferred Options Report

4 July 2005

Entec UK Limited

Certificate No. EMS 69090

In accordance with an environmentathis document is printed on recycledpost-consumer waste, or on ECF (el

Certificate No. FS 13881

lly responsible approach,
paper produced from 100% emental chlorine free) paper

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Contents

1. Introduction 1

1.1 Background 1 1.2 Key Waste Issues 2 1.3 The Purpose of This Report 3 1.4 Developing the Evidence Base 4 1.5 Consultation on This Document 4

2. Policy Context 5

2.1 Introduction 5 2.2 National Waste Planning Policy 5 2.2.1 Introduction 5 2.2.2 Planning Policy Guidance Note 10 6 2.2.3 Draft Planning Policy Statement 10 7 2.3 Regional Planning Policy 8 2.3.1 Regional Planning Guidance Note 10 8 2.3.2 Regional Spatial Strategy 8 2.3.3 Regional Waste Strategy 8 2.4 City of Plymouth Local Plan (1995-2011) 12 2.5 Issues and Options Report 14 2.6 Preferred Policy Options 15

3. The Requirement for Waste Facilities 17

3.1 Introduction 17 3.2 Municipal Waste 17 3.2.1 Arisings 17 3.2.2 Management 17 3.2.3 Forecasts of Arisings and Management Requirements 18 3.2.4 Conclusions on Municipal Waste Management Requirements 20 3.3 Industrial and Commercial Waste 21 3.3.1 Arisings and Deposits 21 3.3.2 Management 21 3.3.3 Forecasts of Arisings and Management Requirements 22 3.4 Construction and Demolition Waste 24

h:\projects\ea-210\15695 plymouth waste development document\docs\rr055i2 options report.doc 4 July 2005

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3.4.1 Arisings and Deposits 24 3.4.2 Forecasts of Arisings and Management Requirements 25 3.5 Other Waste Streams 25 3.6 Overview 26

4. The Identification of Site Options for Waste Management Facilities 27

4.1 Introduction 27 4.2 Stage 1 27 4.3 Stage 2 28 4.4 Stage 3 28 4.5 Additional Site Selection Criteria 29 4.6 Conclusions 29

5. Strategic Options 33

5.1 Introduction 33 5.2 Strategic Options 33 5.2.1 Option 1: Baseline Option 33 5.2.2 Option 2: Enhanced Treatment 33 5.2.3 Option 3: Maximise Treatment 34 5.3 The Preferred Option 34

Table 2.1 Waste Policies in the First Deposit Unitary Development Plan 12 Table 2.2 Summary of the Consultation Responses 14 Table 3.1 Total Municipal Waste Arisings 2000/01 to 2002/03 (tonnes) 17 Table 3.2 Municipal Waste Management in Plymouth 2000/01 18 Table 3.3 Municipal Waste Recycling/Composting 1998/99-2002/03 (Actual Rates) and

2003/04-2005/06 (Statutory Targets) 18 Table 3.4 Municipal Waste Arisings in Plymouth 2001-2016 19 Table 3.5 Implications of National, Regional and Local Waste Management Targets 20 Table 3.6 Industrial and Commercial Waste Management in Plymouth 2000/01 22 Table 3.7 Industrial and Commercial Waste Arisings in Plymouth 2001-2016 22 Table 3.8 Implications of National, Regional and Local Waste Management Targets 23 Table 3.9 Inert/Construction and Demolition Waste Disposal Routes 2000/011 24 Table 3.1 Construction and Demolition Waste Arisings in Plymouth 2001 - 2016 25 0Table 4.1 Strategic Waste Management Options 30 Table 4.2 Sites with Potential for Local Waste Management Facilities 31

Appendix A Plans


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1. Introduction

1.1 Background Entec has been asked to support Plymouth City Council in the preparation of a Waste Local Development Document (WLDD) for the period to 2016.

The City Council has already commenced the preparation of the WLDD with the publication of an Issues and Options report on the Core Strategy - Waste. This was subject to public consultation in March/April 2005 and was intended to generate discussion on the issues and opportunities for the location and type of facilities that are required to support sustainable waste management.

In doing so, the consultation tried to identify the more important strategic issues which will help to shape the way in which the area develops in the future. The report was not site specific although sites already allocated in the First Deposit Local Plan and existing waste management sites were identified as offering some potential.

Draft Planning Policy Statement 10 (PPS10) has been prepared in the context of the requirements of the new planning system and sets out the Government’s latest thinking on waste planning matters. It requires that planning authorities should adhere to the following principles in preparing their strategies:

• Waste planning authorities should prepare local development documents that reflect their contribution to delivering the regional spatial strategy;

• Waste management should be integrated alongside other spatial planning concerns such as transport, housing, economic growth, natural resources and regeneration, recognising the positive contribution that waste management can make to the development of sustainable communities, dovetailing effectively with other strategies including municipal waste management strategies;

• The planned provision of new capacity and its spatial distribution should be based on clear policy objectives, which in turn should be based on a robust analysis of data and information, and an appraisal of options. Policy objectives should be in line with the planning objectives and policies set out in PPS10 and be linked to measurable indicators of change;

• These indicators should be monitored and reported by regional planning bodies and waste planning authorities in annual monitoring reports;

• Integrated sustainability appraisal should be applied so as to ensure that planning strategies support the Government's planning objectives for waste management set out in PPS10.

This document considers the contribution that Plymouth will need to make in managing waste and the spatial constraints and opportunities within the city. It is supported by two Technical Supporting Documents that have considered:


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• The potential requirement for waste management facilities over the lifetime of the

WLDD to 2016; and

• The identification of potential sites for waste management facilities, considering both waste recovery and waste disposal.

1.2 Key Waste Issues The Issues and Options consultation provided the following vision for the WLDD:

In 2016 Plymouth will be a city with a socially, environmentally and economically responsible approach to waste management, where everyone can play a role in delivering long term sustainable waste management, which will show a positive trend in waste minimisation, significant increases in recycling, composting and energy recovery and a dramatic decrease in the amount of waste being sent to landfill.

Consultation responses to this vision have provided a broad endorsement with support from the Environment Agency, the Regional Development Agency and the two neighbouring county waste planning authorities.

The consultation goes on to set out the issues facing the City. An immediate concern arises as a result of the anticipated closure of Chelson Meadow Landfill in March 2007. This site deals with a significant proportion of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) arising in the City and an alternative solution is required. The Council’s Municipal Waste Management Strategy, adopted in January 2001, identified waste-to-energy as a method of treating the residual waste stream once the recyclable materials have been removed. Since 2001 alternative treatment technologies have emerged that have potential. The Council is evaluating these various technologies with a view to finding the best solution for Plymouth. Waste disposal solutions, including landfill, will continue to be required to manage residual waste from recycling or other recovery processes. The WLDD needs to be sufficiently flexible to respond to the requirements of the forthcoming Waste Management Strategy and the potential for an interim solution is raised in advance of the establishment of the long term waste treatment and disposal system.

A key driver is the requirement to treat the biodegradable content of the household waste stream. The first target date is in 2010 when the City will have to reduce the biodegradable content of the waste sent to landfill to 75% of 1995 levels. Part of the solution is enhanced recycling and the Council has to achieve a recycling and composting target of 24% by 2005/06. The current rate is at 16% (2003/04) so further development in waste collection and management, together with new facilities, will need to be provided through both the Waste Management Strategy and the WLDD.

The WLDD also needs to consider the sustainable management of other waste streams, notably industrial/commercial and construction/demolition wastes. These waste streams are significant in volume and, as with MSW, it is imperative to minimise waste generation and the amount of waste that is landfilled. In part this is being addressed through separate regulations (such as those that concern packaging) and fiscal measures (including landfill tax which is applicable to all waste that is landfilled).


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The Issues and Options Report therefore addressed:

• The need to move waste up the waste hierarchy;

• The need to facilitate waste minimisation;

• The need to reduce the rate of growth in waste arisings;

• The need for Plymouth to be as self-sufficient as possible and to provide facilities in close proximity to the sources of waste production.

It is the latter bullet point that is particularly relevant to this Preferred Options Report as the extent to which the City can be self-sufficient will be driven by:

• The expected nature and quantities of waste requiring management;

• The legislative and policy imperatives that influence how the waste is to be managed;

• The extent to which the WLDD can provide appropriate sites in locations that are consistent with other waste planning and environmental policies.

The consultation responses on the Issues and Options Report have provided broad support for the concept of self-sufficiency in Plymouth and the need to consider areas potentially suitable for waste management. The neighbouring waste planning authorities have emphasised the importance of self sufficiency and the potential to contribute capacity to serve areas beyond the City boundary. Some responses have highlighted site options.

The extent to which Plymouth can be self-sufficient in managing its waste will also have implications for the sub-region. The interim solution, as noted above and identified in the Issues and Options Report, is reliant on a sub-regional approach as it involves the development of a waste transfer facility that would transport waste outside the City for disposal, coupled with enhanced provision for recycling, composting and other forms of recovery within the City.

1.3 The Purpose of This Report This report is aimed at setting out the following:

• The establishment of the policy context for the WLDD, considering national, regional and local policies;

• A review of the requirement for waste management facilities over the period of the WLDD, summarising the findings of the Technical Supporting Documents on this topic;

• A review of potential waste management sites in the study area, again summarising the findings of the Technical Supporting Documents on this topic;

• The preparation of options for waste management and their spatial implications;

• The provision of a draft Preferred Options.


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1.4 Developing the Evidence Base The preparation of spatial options has been informed by two technical reports prepared by Entec that have addressed the following:

• Waste management requirements based upon an assessment of arisings, the preparation of forecasts over the Plan period, a review of existing capacities and the analysis of management and facility requirements in the context of the City’s obligations for waste recovery;

• The identification of potential waste management sites. This exercise has been informed by the identification of opportunities for waste development and a review of environmental constraints within the City. Developing the evidence base has also involved a review of planning policy at national, regional and local levels and a review is set out in the following section.

These documents have ensured that policy development will be based upon robust and up-to-date information.

1.5 Consultation on This Document This document is intended to provide the opportunity for an informed and structured debate on the options available to the City for managing waste. Views on the preferred options are being sought providing the opportunity for all stakeholders to influence the waste spatial strategy.


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2. Policy Context

2.1 Introduction The strategy for managing waste within Plymouth is influenced by a range of national, regional and local policies and strategies which are set out in this section. These relate both to planning and waste management. Waste management practice is also driven by a wealth of related legislation at both European and National levels that also influence spatial planning. The Landfill Directive is a prime example that restricts the nature and quantity of waste that may be landfilled and requires the diversion of waste so that value may be recovered. Many of these requirements are explored in the National Waste Strategy1 and the specific requirements have influenced preferred options through, for example, the consideration of targets for landfill diversion, recycling/composting and waste recovery in the assessment of waste management requirements.

There are also related policies and guidance that have spatial implications for waste management. Examples include those from the Environment Agency on landfill location and the location of composting facilities. These have been considered in identifying potential waste management sites.

2.2 National Waste Planning Policy

2.2.1 Introduction The WLDD must work within and take account of the national land-use policy framework. The objective of this framework is to deliver sustainable development, defined2 as:

• The maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment;

• Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone;

• Effective protection of the environment;

• The prudent use of natural resources.

The strategy and objectives of the WLDD must be set within this context.

1 Waste Strategy 2000. 2 Better Quality of Life, A Strategy for Sustainable Development in the UK.


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2.2.2 Planning Policy Guidance Note 10

Objectives PPG10 is the current statement of national waste planning policy3. Its objectives are:

a. to provide a planning framework which enables adequate provision to be made for waste management facilities to meet the needs of society for the re-use, recovery and disposal of waste, taking account of the potential for waste minimisation and the particular needs in respect of special waste1;

b. to help meet the needs of business and encourage competitiveness;

c. to encourage sensitive waste management practices in order to preserve or enhance the overall quality of the environment and avoid risks to human health;

d. to have regard to the need to protect areas of designated landscape and nature conservation value from inappropriate development;

e. to minimise adverse environmental impacts resulting from the handling, processing, transport and disposal of waste;

f. to consider what new facilities may be needed, in the light of wastes forecast to arise; and,

g. to ensure that opportunities for incorporating re-use/recycling facilities in new developments are properly considered.

Decision-making It states that Government wishes to see future waste management decisions based on the following principles:

• Consideration of the Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO) for each waste stream;

• Regional self-sufficiency;

• The proximity principle;

• The waste hierarchy.

Site Identification With regard to the identification of potential waste management sites, PPG10 states that the following may provide opportunities for facilities:

• Industrial areas;

• Degraded, contaminated or derelict land;

3 Further advice and guidance is provided in Waste Strategy 2000.


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• Working and worked out quarries;

• Existing landfill sites;

• Existing or redundant sites or buildings;

• Sites previously occupied by other types of waste management facilities;

• Other suitable sites located close to railways or water transport wharves, or major junctions in the road network.

2.2.3 Draft Planning Policy Statement 10

Overview Draft PPS10 requires that policies and proposals in the WLDD should set out a planning strategy for waste management in line with the waste hierarchy and to ensure that there is adequate provision for facilities in appropriate locations, including provision for waste disposal. Sufficient available and suitable sites should be identified to provide capacity for at least five years of the annual rate of waste to be managed, as required by the regional spatial strategy. Overall, through a combination of identified sites and areas suitable for additional waste management facilities, waste planning authorities should be able to demonstrate how capacity for at least ten years of the annual rate set out in the regional spatial strategy would be provided.

Site Identification In identifying sites and locations for new waste management capacity in development plan documents, waste planning authorities should adopt the following search sequence:

• Look first to on-site management of the waste where it arises; then

• Industrial sites, looking for opportunities to co-locate facilities together and with complementary activities4; and

• Give priority to the reuse of previously-developed land and also, in rural areas, redundant farm buildings and their curtilages, before greenfield sites.

Waste planning authorities should assess the potential and suitability for development against the following criteria:

• The extent to which they support the objectives and policy in PPS10;

• The physical and environmental constraints on development, including existing and proposed neighbouring land uses and the cumulative effect of previous waste disposal facilities on the well-being of the community. Key issues may include the protection of surface and underground water, and sensitive areas including those of nature conservation value and historic or landscape importance;

• The capacity of existing and potential transport infrastructure to support the sustainable movement of waste, and products arising from resource recovery. Consideration should be given, as appropriate, to modes other than road transport.

4 Reflecting the concept of resource recovery parks.


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2.3 Regional Planning Policy

2.3.1 Regional Planning Guidance Note 10 RPG10 indicates that plans and decisions should be based upon BPEO, taking into account the waste hierarchy, the proximity principle and regional self-sufficiency. Policy RE5 concerns the management and transportation of waste and provides for a mix of recovery methods and a reduction in landfill. Regional targets are provided as follows:

• Recycle or compost 30% of household waste by 2010 and 33% by 2015;

• Recover value from 45% of municipal waste by 2010 and 67% by 2015;

• Reduce landfilling of industrial and commercial waste to 85% of the 1998 level by 2005.

Priority is given to the provision of facilities near the Principal Urban Areas (PUAs) such as Plymouth.

2.3.2 Regional Spatial Strategy Following the reform of the planning system, RPG10 will become part of the legal development plan rather than simply setting out guidance and it will be known as the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). A new RSS is in preparation and will replace the Structure Plans currently prepared by County Councils.

2.3.3 Regional Waste Strategy

Introduction The Regional Waste Strategy for the South West From Rubbish to Resource - The Regional Waste Strategy for the South West 2004-2020 incorporates the following overarching vision:

The South West Region will become a minimum waste producer by 2030, with business and households maximising opportunities for re-use and recycling.

Its supporting vision is as follows:

To minimise the amount of waste produced in the region and then to make a major shift away from current reliance on landfill of untreated waste so that by 2020 less than 20% of waste produced in the region will be landfilled.

The strategy provides policies to achieve the major change needed for more effective waste management in the region. It states that Moving from reliance on landfill to an approach based on a combination of waste reduction, recovery of value from waste, and as a last resort landfill, will be very challenging.

The strategy highlights two key challenges:

• Private industry needs to develop and install new technology to deal with waste in innovative ways;

• Waste planning authorities need to find sites for new treatment facilities.


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Policies are provided in three categories as set out in the following sections.

Policies and Actions Relating to Individuals and Households It is the strategy’s vision that by 2020:

Consumers will be made aware of waste minimisation and be encouraged to support local initiatives and every child will be educated on sustainable waste management.

Policies are provided aimed at raising awareness of waste issues.

Policies and Actions Relating to Business and Organisations A set of related policies and action are provided under the following headings:

Leadership of Developing Sustainable Waste Management The vision is that by 2020:

The Region will be at the forefront of developing and delivering sustainable waste management policies and practices. Where possible, local skills will be used to solve local and/or regional waste problems.

Policies and actions are provided encouraging innovation, research and development.

Green Procurement The vision is that by 2020:

Green procurement will be at the heart of all business in the South West.

Policies and actions are provided that seek to promote green procurement.

High Value Markets for Recyclables The vision is that by 2020:

Local high value markets will be developed for recyclables in the region.

The strategy states that whilst the region has relatively high recycling rates compared to other regions, significant quantities of waste are still disposed at landfill sites. Policies and actions seek to encourage businesses that recycle materials and help develop markets for recyclate working with other agencies and organisations. It notes that further work is required on eco-park type clustering of smaller scale facilities and the benefits of larger scale regional facilities.

Waste Minimisation and Recycling by Business The vision is that by 2020:

All business will have a waste minimisation and recycling action plan.

The strategy notes the need to obtain better data on commercial/industrial and construction/demolition wastes, as well as providing policies and actions aimed at promoting recycling within businesses. The latter includes encouraging the Regional Development Agencies to maximise re-use and recycling on its development sites.


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Production Re-design The vision is that by 2020:

Products will be redesigned to ensure their longevity and that they can be re-used or recycled effectively.

The strategy provides policies and actions around working with a range of organisations and lobbying Government to promote re-design and eco-design.

Policies and Actions Relating to Planning for Facilities In considering spatial options for managing Plymouth’s waste, the set of policies and actions under this heading in the strategy are the most significant.

Facility Provision In terms of the provision of facilities the strategy sets out policies by waste stream as follows:

Municipal Solid Waste Facilities are required so that the following targets can be achieved:

• By 2020 a minimum of 45% of municipal waste should be segregated at source for recycling or composting;

• By 2020 value should be recovered from residual municipal waste by mechanical, biological or thermal treatment or a combination of these processes;

• Adequate landfill capacity should be provided for the unusable residuals.

Commercial and Industrial Waste Provision should be made as follows:

• To enable 44% of arisings to be recycled or composted by 2020;

• To allow value to be recovered from an additional 39% by mechanical, biological or thermal treatment or a combination of these processes by 2020;

• To allow a maximum of 17% of arisings to be landfilled by 2020.

Construction and Demolition Waste Provision should be made to maximise recycling and composting and reduce the need for primary aggregates.

Multiple Waste Streams Provision should be made for facilities capable of dealing with multiple waste streams of a similar nature.

Design Issues in General Development Planning authorities should ensure that adequate space is provided in housing, retail, employment and other types of development to allow for the separation and collection of waste.


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Segregated Collection Systems The strategy’s vision is that by 2020:

Every household will have convenient access to a segregated collection system for recyclables made available to them and use it well.

New developments should make adequate provision for collection facilities and this should be expressed through Local Development Frameworks. Waste management contracts are encouraged to promote sustainable waste management practices.

Eliminating Difficult Wastes The strategy’s vision is that by 2020:

Waste streams that are hazardous or costly to recycle will be phased out and replaced by new clean materials that can be re-used/recycled effectively.

A number of policies and actions are provided for hazardous waste and Waste Planning Authorities are encouraged to make provision for hazardous waste transfer, treatment and disposal. The Environment Agency will advise on the need for facilities and the Regional Assembly will develop locational guidance.

Infrastructure and Finance The strategy’s vision is that by 2020:

Infrastructure will be in place to enable waste to be re-used or recycled before energy is recovered from the residue.

This element of the strategy recognises that adequate funding is required to develop new waste infrastructure but is also concerned with ensuring that thermal treatment does not act as a disincentive to local recycling efforts consistent with the regional BPEO. Under this heading, advice is also provided on the proximity principle.

Strategic Policies Key strategic policies of particular relevance to Plymouth are as follows:

Policy P10.1 Waste should be managed close to its place of production. The location of waste management facilities should take account of the origin of the waste arising, aiming to minimise the distance travelled. In the case of the larger urban centres where controlled waste production is concentrated, management facilities should be located in close proximity to them. A sequential approach should be adopted to identify sites for locations of facilities to manage waste from larger urban areas, in order of priority:

(i) within the boundaries of the urban area;

(ii) within 10 miles (16 km) of the boundary of the urban area;

(iii) beyond 10 miles.

This policy does not apply to reprocessing facilities which are likely to take waste from a far wider area.


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Policy P10.2 Waste development plans should identify sufficient sites for the treatment and

disposal of waste. Such provision should take into account social and economic implications, the principle of self-sufficiency, the proximity principle and the waste hierarchy. In the case of larger urban centres, provision may be required to be made in adjacent Waste Planning Authority areas.

Policy P10.4 Waste development plans should ensure that where there is a need for additional capacity to meet the need for landfill or residual waste within the sub-region, priority will be given to the re-use of previously developed, derelict and despoiled land.

Strategic policies on thermal treatment are also provided as follows:

Policy 10.5 (i) All energy from waste plants must include processes to extract recyclable material and compostable material in line with the BPEO to identified performance levels where this has not been carried out elsewhere.

(ii) Except in the case of hazardous waste incineration, thermal treatment should include energy recovery.

Policies under this heading are also provided on good design and sustainable construction. Policy P10.7 requires that all residents should have reasonable access to civic amenity sites.

2.4 City of Plymouth Local Plan (1995-2011) The Deposit Plan includes policies on general waste development, recycling, composting, energy from waste, disposal and transfer. It is important to consider those policies that may be carried forward in the WLDD accounting for the latest national and regional waste planning policy and the consultation responses received on the Issues and Options report.

Table 2.1 provides a summary:

Table 2.1 Waste Policies in the First Deposit Unitary Development Plan

Policy Reasons Comment

Policy 98 Waste management development.

Consideration of waste hierarchy, BPEO, self-sufficiency, proximity, providing value from waste, health and environment, access and transport.

To provide an appropriate context for sustainable waste management development considering the requirements of European and National policy.

Principles can be carried forward in the WLDD. Note however draft PPS10 and the potential for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to replace BPEO as a key objective of waste planning policy development.

Policy 99 Reducing and re-using demolition waste.

Re-using wastes from redevelopment in-situ where possible or recycling wastes for use elsewhere .

Reduce the amount of construction and demolition wastes being disposed. 200 000 tonnes being used at Chelson Meadow landfill in site engineering and road construction. Closure of this site will require alternative uses.

Principle of recycling in-situ can be carried forward. Consider allocation of sites for construction and demolition waste recycling through the WLDD.


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Table 2.1 (continued) Waste Policies in the First Deposit Unitary Development Plan


Policy 100 Waste in commercial and industrial development.

New development should include space for management, storage and collection of waste.

To provide facilities for separation at source to achieve higher recycling rates. Policy 25 of the plan provides for facilities (adequate space for ‘green bins’) at new residential developments.

Policy objectives can be carried forward.

Policy 101 Recycling facilities.

Incorporation of recycling facilities into major developments.

To secure appropriate recycling banks at new development (and in turn facilitate higher recycling rates).

Policy objectives can be carried forward.

Policy 102 Materials reclamation facilities and waste storage.

Policy for the centralised reception, sorting, segregation and storage of waste. Promotes sites in industrial areas, employment land and as part of an integrated facility subject to effects on environment.

Facilities are an essential component of waste re-use and recycling.

Further waste recycling facilities will be required during the plan period in both the short and longer term.

Policy 103 Civic amenity recycling centres.

Provision of sites in North Plymouth and Plympton subject to criteria based policy. They should be located in industrial areas, previously developed land or existing permanent waste facilities; alternatively if no such sites are available, other sites will be considered subject to environmental effects. Consideration of traffic effects and polluting/visual impacts.

The northern part of the City and Plympton do not have reasonable access to existing facilities at Chelson Meadow and Weston Mill. The Waste Management Strategy prioritises a site in Northern Plymouth.

There remains a requirement for civic amenity infrastructure and the WLDD will seek to allocate sites.

Policy 104 Community and large scale composting.

Large scale facilities are encouraged in industrial areas and previously developed land or at existing permanent waste management facilities subject to environmental effects. Community composting schemes are encouraged.

Composting diverts waste from disposal and is supported by the Waste Management Strategy.

There is a requirement for further composting infrastructure either as stand-alone sites or as part of a strategic development. Policy on composting needs to be taken forward in the WLDD and further refined to take account of latest Environment Agency policy.

Policy 105 Waste to energy facilities.

Criteria based policy that encourages facilities on industrial land, on previously developed land or at an existing and major waste management facility. It encourages heat generation and sites with reasonable access to the strategic transport network and requires adequate management of by-products. Proposals should have acceptable design, minimise landscape and visual effects and not give rise to unacceptable nuisance.

The Waste Management Strategy encourages facilities to recover energy from waste.

The WLDD needs to be flexible to potentially accommodate waste to energy facilities but also other treatment options and new technologies. This relates to both general policy development and the provision of site allocations. Needs to be considered in option development.


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Table 2.1 (continued) Waste Policies in the First Deposit Unitary Development Plan


Policy 106 Landfill sites.

Criteria based policy for any new sites that will not be permitted unless criteria met. Criteria includes consistency with waste hierarchy, BPEO, proximity and self-sufficiency. Only residual wastes should be disposed and proposals should be acceptable in environmental terms.

Potential for new sites considered to be limited however criteria based policy provided should an opportunity arise.

The WLDD needs to re-assess the potential for disposal within the plan area and should this not be feasible consider alternatives. A criteria based policy will still be required. The disposal of residual waste needs to be considered in option development.

Policy 107 Waste transfer.

Covers potential for a road or rail linked facility subject to environmental effects.

Potential for medium or longer term waste management solutions outside the site boundary is recognised.

Given the limited options for disposal, it is likely that waste transfer facilities will be required as part of any short and longer term solution. Needs to be considered in the site search and option development.

2.5 Issues and Options Report There were in total thirty two responses to the Issues and Options Report as summarised in Table 2.2.

Table 2.2 Summary of the Consultation Responses

Bodies Number Respondents

Central and regional government agencies 3 Environment Agency, SWRDA, South West Regional Assembly

Local authorities, PCC Depts 5 Devon CC, Cornwall CC, East End Partnership, Cattewater Harbour Commission and PCC Depts

Private companies/industries 5 Various

Community groups/Interest Groups 7 Various

Political Groups 2 Various

Private individuals 10 Various

As already noted, the majority of responses were supportive of the vision set out in the report and of the need for the Council to be self-sufficient in terms of its ability to manage its waste within its own boundaries.


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2.6 Preferred Policy Options Based upon the Issues and Options Report, the consultations on that report and the policy context for the WLDD, the following sets out the coverage of the preferred policy options for the WLDD. They should be read in conjunction with the strategic options set out in Section 4 of this report. The WLDD will:

• Provide for sustainable waste management consistent with the proximity principle, self-sufficiency and the waste hierarchy;

• Provide sites suitable for strategic waste management facilities in sustainable locations;

• Provide sites suitable for local waste management facilities in sustainable locations;

• Provide for an interim solution for waste management that recognises the lack of landfill options in the City and the lead times to develop new waste infrastructure;

• Set out the requirement for the City Council to work with neighbouring authorities and the South West Regional Assembly through the Regional Spatial Strategy to ensure that appropriate waste management solutions are found for wastes that need to be managed outside the City;

• Set out development control criteria for new waste management facilities;

• Set out environmental objectives with regard to the provision of new waste infrastructure;

• Set out transportation objectives with regard to the provision of new waste infrastructure;

• Provide a framework to raise public awareness of waste issues and to work with the local business community and other public bodies and neighbouring authorities in seeking waste minimisation;

• Provide a framework to ensure that new developments consider waste minimisation and incorporate waste recovery facilities as appropriate.


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3. The Requirement for Waste Facilities

3.1 Introduction The WLDD vision emphasises the need to deliver long term sustainable waste management and significant increases in recycling, composting and energy recovery and a dramatic decrease in the amount of waste being sent to landfill. The closure of Chelson Meadow landfill in 2007, the only strategic disposal facility in the WLDD area, will mean that alternative disposal solutions will need to be found, coupled with the need for additional waste recovery infrastructure. The following, based upon the findings of a Technical Supporting Document, sets out the waste management requirement by waste stream.

3.2 Municipal Waste

3.2.1 Arisings Table 3.1 shows that the total amount of municipal waste arising in Plymouth in 2000/01 stood at approximately 160 500 tonnes. This increased in 2001/02 to over 170 000 tonnes and decreased in 2002/03 to just under 160 000 tonnes.

Table 3.1 Total Municipal Waste Arisings 2000/01 to 2002/03 (tonnes)5

2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04

Total 160 419 172 457 166 184 158 764

(Source: Plymouth City Council Waste Management, 2005).

3.2.2 Management Environment Agency deposits data indicates that in 2000/01, Plymouth managed just over 160 000 tonnes of municipal waste (to avoid double counting, this excludes 71 700 tonnes of material handled at transfer stations and civic amenity sites6). This broadly equates to levels of arisings and Plymouth was therefore self-sufficient in terms of managing municipal waste.

5 The data presented in this table is based upon the amount of municipal waste that was collected from kerbside rounds and material deposited at civic amenity sites. 6 Local Waste Interrogator, Environment Agency, 2005.


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Table 3.2 illustrates the amount of municipal waste that was managed in the study area and the method in which the waste was treated/disposed. Landfill was and remains the primary disposal route. This is significant given the need to recycle and compost more of Plymouth’s waste and the closure of Chelson Meadow landfill in the next two years.

Table 3.2 Municipal Waste Management in Plymouth 2000/01

2000/01 (tonnes) 2000/01 (%)

Recycled/Recovered 12 200 7.5%

Composted 8 900 5.5%

EfW 0 0

Landfill 139 090 87.0%

Other Chemical/Physical/Biological Treatment

0 0

TOTAL 160 190 100

(Source: SWMA Update 2001, Environment Agency and Plymouth City Council Waste Management, 2005).

Table 3.3 sets out the statutory targets7 for recycling and composting in the context of performance for 2000/01-2002/03. The targets are clearly challenging and further steps must be taken to promote recycling and composting in Plymouth.

Table 3.3 Municipal Waste Recycling/Composting 1998/99-2002/03 (Actual Rates) and 2003/04-2005/06 (Statutory Targets)

2000/01 (actual %)

2001/02 (actual %)

2002/03 (actual %)

2003/04 (statutory target %)

2005/06 (statutory target %)

Plymouth 15.3 12 13.35 16.0 24.0

(Source: Plymouth Council Waste Management, 2005, The Regional Waste Strategy for the South West Consultation Document 2004; and Guidance on Municipal Waste Management Strategies, DETR 2001).

To fully consider the amount of waste that will need to be managed over the period to 2016, the WLDD needs to take account of likely future trends in arisings. This is set out in the next section for municipal waste.

3.2.3 Forecasts of Arisings and Management Requirements The development of forecasts has been influenced by: 7 The achievement of targets is an integral part of the Government’s Best Value regime and Best Value Performance Indicators (BVPIs) are directly concerned with their achievement.


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• Work completed by LUC and AEA Technology's on assessing future scenarios for

the management of municipal solid waste (MSW) (February 2003);

• The Regional Waste Management Strategy for the South West (October 2004);

• SLR's work that underpins the Regional Waste Strategy, The Development of a Waste Management Strategy for the South West Region (April 2003);

• The expected increases in housebuilding and economic activity during the period of the WLDD.

Forecast scenarios have followed the approach that has recently been adopted by the South West Regional Assembly in the Regional Waste Strategy i.e. high, medium and low growth scenarios. Some of the percentage changes in growth rates have been amended slightly from the Regional Waste Strategy. They are as follows:

• Low Scenario: 0.6% per annum growth up to the end of the life of the WLDD (basically little or no waste growth with account for an increase in households);

• Medium Scenario: 3.5% per annum growth up to 2006; then declining (in a linear fashion) to 0% growth up to the end of the life of the WLDD (2016).

• High Scenario: 3.5% per annum growth up to the end of the life of the WLDD (2016).

An important issue for the WLDD is the level of forecast arisings that should be applied as this has implications for facility requirements and the number and type of sites. The City Council is seeking views on the preferred growth scenario.

Table 3.4 provides the implications of these scenarios over the life of the WLDD.

Table 3.4 Municipal Waste Arisings in Plymouth 2001-2016

2001 2005 2010 2013 2015 2016

Low Growth Scenario 160 419 164 304 169 293 172 358 174 433 175479

Medium Growth Scenario 160 419 172 963 190 031 201 069 208 783 212 750

High Growth scenario 160 419 184 085 218 635 242 404 259 669 268 758

In the context of existing infrastructure and capacities, the requirements of recycling and composting targets and longer term recovery targets, the implications of these forecasts are significant. The relevant targets are summarised in Table 3.5.


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Table 3.5 Implications of National, Regional and Local Waste Management Targets

Amount of Waste that Requires Alternative Treatment Scenario and Target

2001 2005 2010 2013 2015 2016

Low Growth Scenario:

Recycling & Composting (BVPI target and national targets)

- 39 433

(24%)

50 788

(30%)

- 57 563

(33%)

-

Landfill Diversion - - 45 140 30 090 - -

Recovery Targets - 65 722

(40%)

76 182

(45%)

- 116 870

(67%)

-

Medium Growth Scenario:


- 41 511

(24%)

57 009

(30%)

- 68 898

(33%)

-



(40%)

85 514

(45%)

- 139 885

(67%)

-

High Growth Scenario


- 44 180

(24%)

65 591

(30%)

- 85 691

(33%)

-



(40%)

98 386

(45%)

- 173 978

(67%)

-

3.2.4 Conclusions on Municipal Waste Management Requirements The implications in terms of potential facility provision in the WLDD are as follows:

Recycling and Composting • By 2016, between ~60 000 tonnes and 90 000 tonnes of recycling and composting

capacity for municipal waste will be required in Plymouth;

• As existing capacity equates to ~10 000 tonnes per annum (this relates to the composting facility at Chelson Meadow), this means that an additional 50 000-80 000 tonnes of capacity is required over the life of the WLDD.

Recovery (including recycling and composting) • By 2016, between ~117 000 tonnes and 174 000 tonnes of recovery capacity for

municipal waste will be required in Plymouth;

• In 2000/01, no municipal waste in Plymouth was sent to a recovery facility for management (excluding composting). As such, it can be concluded that between


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~124 000 tonnes and 174 000 tonnes recovery capacity is required in Plymouth over the life of the WLDD.

Final Disposal • Given the anticipated recycling/composting and recovery rates (which need to be

met to comply with the relevant national targets), it is expected that by 2016, final disposal capacity for municipal waste will only be required for residual material;

• The amount of capacity that must be planned for depends upon the recovery technology utilised. Potentially, up to ~30% of municipal waste processed via some form of recovery technology could end up as residual material. Based on this assumption, between ~37 000 tonnes and 52 000 tonnes of residues could require final disposal by 2016.

In the short-term, the closure of Chelson Meadow landfill means that alternative disposal capacity is required as a matter of urgency.

3.3 Industrial and Commercial Waste

3.3.1 Arisings and Deposits Data is based upon the Environment Agency’s Strategic Waste Management Assessment (SWMA) for the South West, which was published in 2000. An update of this survey is being carried out, and whilst the results were expected to be published in 2004, at the time of writing, they were unavailable. In addition, the data presented on arisings relate to Devon and individual information for Plymouth was unavailable. For the purposes of the assessment of requirements, it is assumed that arisings and deposits are broadly in balance (accounting also for material being managed through transfer stations).

As set out below, the amount of waste managed in Plymouth equated to 179 910 tonnes in 2000/01 and this is used as a base figure for forecasting purposes.

3.3.2 Management Table 3.6 shows that in 2000/01 over a third of the industrial and commercial waste deposits in the study area were to landfill and a similar amount was dealt with via alternative treatment methods (in this case, biological treatment). Note that the table excludes 45 200 tonnes handled through transfer stations.


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Table 3.6 Industrial and Commercial Waste Management in Plymouth 2000/01

2000/01 (tonnes) 2000/01 (%)

Recycled (including metal recycling) 0 0

Composted 10 000 7

EfW 0 0

Landfill 47 710 36

Materials Recovery 24 000 18

Other Chemical/Physical/Biological Treatment 53 000 39

TOTAL 134 710 100

Source: SWMA Update 2001 Local Waste Interrogator, Environment Agency, 2005.

3.3.3 Forecasts of Arisings and Management Requirements Based upon similar principles as set out for municipal waste, the following forecasts have been developed:

• Low Scenario: 1% per annum reduction up to the end of the life of the WLDD;

• Medium Scenario: 2% per annum growth up to 2006; then 1% per annum growth up to the end of the life of the WLDD;

• High Scenario: 2.5% per annum growth up to the end of the life of the WLDD.

An important issue for the WLDD is the level of forecast arisings that should be applied as this has implications for facility requirements and the number and type of sites. The City Council is seeking views on the preferred growth scenario.

The implications of these scenarios are set out in Table 3.7.

Table 3.7 Industrial and Commercial Waste Arisings in Plymouth 2001-2016

2001 2005 2010 2013 2015 2016

Low Growth Scenario 179 910 172 821 164 351 159 470 156 296 154 733


High Growth scenario 179 910 198 587 224 683 241 959 254 208 260 563


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Table 3.8 sets out the implications for management requirements when regional management targets are considered.

Table 3.8 Implications of National, Regional and Local Waste Management Targets

Scenario & Target Amount of Waste that Requires Alternative Treatment at 2016

Low Growth Scenario:

Recycling & Composting 68 083

(44%)

Recovery 60 346

(39%)

Landfill 26 305

(17%)

Medium Growth Scenario:


(44%)

Recovery 84 725

(39%)

Landfill 36 931

(17%)

High Growth Scenario:


(44%)

Recovery 101 620

(39%)

Landill 44 296

(17%)

The implications in terms of potential facility provision in the WLDD are as follows:

Recycling and Composting • By 2016, between ~68 000 tonnes and 115 000 tonnes of recycling and composting

capacity for industrial and commercial waste will be required in Plymouth;

• Existing capacity is limited.

Additional Recovery • By 2016, between ~60 000 tonnes and 100 000 tonnes of additional recovery

capacity for industrial and commercial waste will be required in Plymouth;


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• Existing non-inert/biodegradable recovery capacity equates to ~ 324 000 tonnes per

annum. However, the vast majority of this capacity is for waste water treatment (at waste water treatment works). Indeed, in 2000/01, only 53 000 tonnes of industrial and commercial waste in Plymouth was sent to a recovery facility for management (excluding composting). As such, it can be concluded that up to 50 000 tonnes of additional industrial and commercial recovery capacity is required in Plymouth over the life of the WLDD.

Final Disposal • The Regional Waste Strategy encourages a target for landfill of up to 17% of

industrial and commercial waste. This equates to between ~26 000 and 44 000 tonnes per annum by 2016;

• The amount of final disposal capacity depends upon the recovery technology utilised. Potentially, up to ~30% of industrial and commercial waste processed via some form of recovery technology could end up as residual material. Based on this assumption, between ~18 000 tonnes and 30 000 tonnes of residues could require final disposal by 2016.

3.4 Construction and Demolition Waste

3.4.1 Arisings and Deposits In 2000/01 inert/construction and demolition (C&D) waste was primarily disposed of in landfill sites - a significant proportion probably being used for site engineering and capping. However, this is unlikely to continue given the fiscal and policy drivers focussed upon landfill reduction and recycling. The remainder of C&D waste in 2000/01 (approximately 5%) was subject to alternative treatment.

Table 3.9 illustrates disposal routes for inert/C&D waste.

Table 3.9 Inert/Construction and Demolition Waste Disposal Routes 2000/011

2000/01 (‘000 tonnes) 2000/01 (%)

Recycled 0 0

Composted 0 0

EfW 0 0

Landfill 282 070 95

Materials Recovery 0 0

Other Chemical/Physical/Biological Treatment 15 000 5

TOTAL 297 070 100

(Source: SWMA Update 2001 Local Waste Interrogator, Environment Agency, 2005). 1- This table excludes material handled at Waste Transfer Stations (18 100 tonnes in 2000/01).


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3.4.2 Forecasts of Arisings and Management Requirements Following the principles set out for municipal waste, the following scenarios have been developed:

• Low Scenario: 2% per annum reduction up to the end of the life of the WLDD (2016);

• Medium Scenario: 0% per annum growth up to the end of the life of the WLDD (2016);

• High Scenario: 2% per annum growth up to the end of the life of the WLDD (2016).

An important issue for the WLDD is the level of forecast arisings that should be applied as this has implications for facility requirements and the number and type of sites. The City Council is seeking views on the preferred growth scenario

The implications of these scenarios are set out in Table 3.10.

Table 3.10 Construction and Demolition Waste Arisings in Plymouth 2001 - 2016

Scenario 2001 2005 2010 2013 2015 2016

Low Growth Scenario 565 830 521 904 471 759 444 016 426 433 417 905


High Growth Scenario 565 830 612 473 676 219 717 609 746 601 761 533

There are no established targets, but given the national and regional commitment to maximising the recycling of construction and demolition waste, and against the background of there being limited existing facilities in Plymouth, policy should be directed towards encouraging a network of such facilities.

3.5 Other Waste Streams Other waste streams include hazardous waste with arisings predicted to be around 20 000 and 33 000 tonnes by 2016. Historically, Plymouth has been a net exporter of this waste stream, although in 2000/01, almost 5 000 tonnes of waste was landfilled in Plymouth. Given the small quantities of special waste generated in Plymouth and the policy that this may be dealt with at regional level, the provision of a dedicated hazardous waste facility in Plymouth may not be viable.


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3.6 Overview Total waste arisings in 2016, at the end of the Plan period, could be between 770 000 tonnes and 1 324 000 tonnes depending on the levels of waste growth. For municipal waste, recovery targets mean that by 2016 somewhere between 124 000 tonnes and 174 000 tonnes will need to be recovered from the waste stream. In addition, recovery rates for industrial and commercial waste mean that between 68 000 tonnes and 115 000 tonnes will need to be recovered. These figures represent a step change from the current low levels of recovery. Together with the need for recycling infrastructure for construction and demolition waste, there is a significant requirement for new facilities and capacity.

With regard to disposal, it is clear that there is a short-term problem given the closure of Chelson Meadow and limited opportunities to provide new infrastructure quickly.


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4. The Identification of Site Options for Waste Management Facilities

4.1 Introduction Meeting the need for facilities will require sites to be identified in the WLDD. To achieve this objective a site search has been completed within the Plan area that was initially based upon a three stage process:

• Stage 1 - the identification of sites/areas that have potential for the location of a waste management facility;

• Stage 2 - the identification of sites/areas that are constrained due to a high level of policy protection and should be excluded from further consideration;

• Stage 3 - the identification of those sites/areas that are also constrained due to policy protection and waste development may be excluded.

Each stage is summarised below.

Consultation responses are invited on the overall approach and the criteria selected.

4.2 Stage 1 Sites with the following attributes were identified as being potentially suitable for the siting of a waste management facility, based upon advice set out in both PPG10 and draft PPS10:

• Vacant and undeveloped sites larger than 1.0 hectare;

• Land allocated for employment and industrial uses in adopted/draft Local Plan;

• Unallocated sites with existing industrial uses;

• Major developed sites outside urban settlements;

• Contaminated land sites;

• Derelict land sites;

• Existing waste management sites;

• Existing wastewater treatment works;

• Brownfield sites including disused airfields, disused railway sidings/facilities, disused harbour/wharf facilities and disused power stations; and


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• Land adjacent to railways/navigable waterways.

The search for potential sites also looked for smaller sites that offer the potential for civic amenity uses.

4.3 Stage 2 Areas or sites constrained by the following features were excluded from further consideration:

• Sites of international importance for nature conservation e.g. Ramsar sites, Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs);

• Sites of national importance for nature conservation e.g. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and National Nature Reserves (NNRs);

• Nationally important landscapes (AONB);

• Sites of national importance for cultural heritage e.g. Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs), Listed Buildings (Grade 1 and 2*), Historic Parks and Gardens (Grade 1 and 2*);

• EA Flood risk areas (Zones 2 and 3);

• Sites committed for mineral extraction;

• Allocated sites for housing, retail, mixed uses and employment/industrial sites that are designated for B1 use only.

This analysis has ensured that the WLDD accounts fully for key environmental and other constraints that would rule out waste uses as a matter of policy.

4.4 Stage 3 For the remaining areas and sites, consideration was given to the following constraints:

• Sites of local importance for nature conservation e.g. Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), Nature Conservation Areas, designated Greenspace and Ancient Woodland;

• Sites of local importance for cultural heritage e.g. Listed Buildings (Grade 2), Historic Parks and Gardens (Grade 2), Urban Conservation Areas;

• Locally important landscapes (AGLV);

• EA Flood risk areas (Zones 1);

• Grade 1, 2 and 3a agricultural land;

• Buffer zones around sites committed for mineral extraction;

• Sites of value to the local environment or subject to environmental proposals;

• Sites located within the City’s core tourism area; and


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• Sites greater than 2 km from the primary route network.

These constraints may not rule out waste development but avoiding conflict with them is preferred.

4.5 Additional Site Selection Criteria For potential landfill or landraise facilities, consideration was given to the following:

• Source Protection Zones 1, 2 and 3;

• Major aquifers;

• A buffer zone of 250 m from any urban area/village settlement.

For sites to be considered as having potential for strategic waste recovery facilities, they had to be at least 2 ha. Consideration was also given to the proximity of the site to housing.

4.6 Conclusions Following the implementation of the site search a number of options have emerged. However, no new potential sites for landfill/landraise facilities have been identified which is important give the planned closure of Chelson Meadow landfill early in 2007. This has implications for managing Plymouth’s waste in the short-term and also the managing of residual waste in the longer-term. It also points to the need for a sub-regional approach to the management of residual waste and disposal through landfilling in particular.

In terms of strategic options for waste recovery (including significant waste recycling and composting capacity), the sites set out in Table 4.1 have been identified as having potential. Site plans are provided in Appendix A.


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Table 4.1 Strategic Waste Management Options

Site Name Comments

China Clay Works, Coypool This site offers significant potential for the development of a range of waste management facilities.

Chelson Meadow Waste Facility Remains an important element of waste provision. The current application for a waste transfer station could limit the space available for further facilities.

Prince Rock Depot The site has potential for waste recycling and other recovery facilities compatible with nearby residential uses.

Moorcroft Quarry The site has potential for waste recycling and other recovery facilities. There are potential synergies with existing quarry operations, such as the management of inert construction and demolition wastes.

Employment Commitment/ University of Plymouth Playing Fields. Ernsettle

Policy in the WLDD would recognize that the greenfield site at Ernsettle would only come forward if the other sites were not available, consistent with policy in PPG10 and draft PPS10.

Additional civic amenity (CA) sites are required to serve the northern area of the City and Plympton. In addition, the existing CA site at Weston Mill is operating at capacity and has no potential for expansion. It would therefore be desirable to identify an alternative larger site to serve the same area.

A number of sites have emerged with potential for smaller scale waste management facilities and these are set out below in Table 4.2 (no additional sites, other than Coypool, have been identified in the Plympton area).

Some sites are identified as Areas of Search as they comprise larger redevelopment opportunities within which there may be opportunities for waste development.


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Table 4.2 Sites with Potential for Local Waste Management Facilities

Site Reference (from site assessment report)

Site Name

E07 Land off St Budeaux By Pass, St Budeaux

E14 Plymbridge Industrial Estate

E19 British Gas Site Breakwater Road

E21 Water Treatment Works, Glacis Park, Tavistock Road

E50 Land at Estover Gate

E52 Land at Burrington Industrial Estate

E55 Southway Redevelopment Area (Area of Search)

E57 Plymouth Airport Redevelopment Area (Area of Search)

E58 Forder Valley Development Area (Area of Search)

E62 Vacant land NE of Estover Road

E65 Vacant building, Longbridge Road

E66 Vacant land, Darklake View

E69 Land at Agaton Farm, Ernesettle

Consultation responses are invited on the outcome of the site assessments. In particular responses are invited on:

• The potential strategic sites that have been identified through the site selection process;

• The conclusion that the City has no capacity for new landfill/landraise facilities and that such provision will have to be identified at existing or new sites in the sub-region, in accordance with regional waste planning guidance;

• The potential sites and areas of search identified for local waste management facilities.


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5. Strategic Options

5.1 Introduction A key issue for the WLDD relates to the extent to which the plan area can be self-sufficient in managing its waste. This has been taken as a starting point in the development of the strategy that is designed to achieve the vision of the WLDD, that includes a socially, environmentally and economically responsible approach to waste management. There also has to be a recognition that the plan area is relatively constrained, no more so in its ability to replace landfill capacity. This has to be recognised in option development.

Following sets out three options that could potentially guide the development of the WLDD as a preferred option. The intention is to consider scenarios that could affect site requirements in the Plan area.

5.2 Strategic Options

5.2.1 Option 1: Baseline Option This option assumes limited new waste infrastructure development and therefore that a substantial amount of waste will be managed outside the City boundary. Any strategic site would deal with waste transfer. There would therefore be a reliance on the capacity of existing or new sites in other areas to help Plymouth meet its waste management obligations. The option would be the least compliant in terms of the proximity principle and self-sufficiency. It would require significant sub-regional co-operation to ensure that waste is managed as close as possible to Plymouth, consistent with the Regional Waste Management Strategy.

Spatially, this option would still require civic amenity sites (at least two) and waste transfer facilities to allow the significant export of waste.

The option also represents the only viable short-term solution for managing the City’s waste that currently goes to Chelson Meadow Landfill, which is due to close in March 2007.

5.2.2 Option 2: Enhanced Treatment This option assumes that additional strategic recycling/treatment and composting infrastructure will be provided. Strategic facilities would be required to manage municipal waste and industrial and commercial wastes. Facilities would also be required to manage construction and demolition waste. This would be in addition to the need for civic amenity and waste transfer infrastructure. The option recognises the fact that the site search has not identified any significant potential for landfill or landraise facilities within the Plan area.

There would be a requirement to export residual waste streams for disposal outside the Plan area and a continued need for sub-regional co-operation between authorities to ensure that disposal and/or additional recovery facilities are provided.


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5.2.3 Option 3: Maximise Treatment This option has the most significant requirement for infrastructure provision. It seeks to ensure that the City is as self-sufficient as possible in meeting its waste management obligations. In addition to new recycling and composting infrastructure, there would be a requirement for further waste treatment facilities within the plan area. Treatment infrastructure may include technologies such as energy from waste. There will remain a need to dispose of some residual waste outside the City but the quantities would be substantially reduced.

Consultee responses are invited on these potential strategic options or other options that have not been considered.

5.3 The Preferred Option The above options have been the subject of a sustainability appraisal and two issues have emerged: first, there needs to be a move towards treating waste as a resource opportunity maximising, the value that gained by obtained through re-use and recovery; and second, there should be a greater emphasis on waste minimisation at source. Both of these issues need stakeholder support from local businesses and the public. It is considered that they should form part of the strategic policy context for the WLDD.

Subject to any recommendations emerging from the sustainability appraisal, the preferred strategic option for the WLDD comprises two parts:

• First, a short-term option that centres upon the baseline option (Option 1) and recognises the immediate need for new recycling and composting infrastructure, together with the imminent closure of Chelson Meadow landfill;

• Second, the preferred long-term option that will guide the WLDD, which is Option 3 that seeks to maximise opportunities for treatment within the Plan area thus offering maximum flexibility in delivering sustainable waste management.

Consultation responses are invited on this preferred option.


Appendix A Plans 6 Pages