7.1 This section addresses the development principles, spatial strategy and waste capacity needs over the plan period for waste management within Central and Eastern Berkshire.
7.2 Waste is produced by households, businesses, industry, construction activities, government and non-government organisations, in different quantities and with different characteristics based on local circumstances. The UK already contains a wide network of waste management facilities. However, changes in waste production and efforts to make the best use of the resources contained within waste mean that these facilities and the need for them are continually changing.
7.3 Waste Planning Authorities (WPAs) are obliged to prepare Local Plans which identify sufficient opportunities to meet the identified needs of their area for waste management for all waste streams93. The review of waste properties enables its classification as non-hazardous, inert and hazardous.
7.4 The majority of non-hazardous waste is produced mainly from municipal solid waste (MSW) (sometimes referred to as ‘household waste’) and commercial and industrial waste (C&I) sources, while inert wastes derive mainly from construction, demolition and excavation (CD&E) activities. Although a minor contribution to the overall arisings, hazardous waste is produced from all three waste sources.
7.5 Waste can be managed in different ways, but the waste (management) hierarchy (see Figure 5) is a framework that has become a cornerstone of sustainable waste management, setting out the order in which options for waste management should be considered based on environmental impact (with disposal as the lowest priority). Waste planning has a role to play in driving waste ‘up the hierarchy’ by ensuring the right amount of appropriate facilities for each part of the hierarchy are planned for in the right place.
Figure 2: The Waste Management Hierarchy
Source: Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC)
In 2018 there were more than 30 waste management facilities in Central and Eastern Berkshire. However, these do not provide sufficient waste management treatment capacity for the estimated waste arisings (i.e. waste tonnage produced) in the area throughout the Plan period.
7.7 Accordingly, a number of significant movements of waste originating within Central and Eastern Berkshire are treated outside of the Plan area. In particular, identified long term movements of waste from Central and Eastern Berkshire are treated at facilities within the neighbouring Waste Planning Authorities of Oxfordshire, Slough and Surrey.
7.8 This section sets out the policies relating to the following issues:
7.9 All policies include an explanation of the existing situation, supporting text regarding the policy and details on how the policy would be implemented and monitored.
7.10 Delivering sustainable waste management involves developing strategies and devising policies which will encourage the prudent use of resources whilst also taking into account the potential for waste growth.
7.11 In support of sustainable waste development, the Plan and its associated waste policies aim to support the revised Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC)94 targets, of;
“by 2020, the preparing for re-use and the recycling of waste materials such as at least paper, metal, plastic and glass from households and possibly from other origins as far as these waste streams are similar to waste from households, shall be increased to a minimum of overall 50 % by weight; and
by 2020, the preparing for re-use, recycling and other material recovery, including backfilling operations using waste to substitute other materials, of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste excluding naturally occurring material defined in category 17 05 04 in the list of waste shall be increased to a minimum of 70 % by weight.”
7.12 Bracknell Forest Council, Reading Borough Council and Wokingham Borough Council formed a municipal waste management partnership called Re3 in 1999. Re3 produced a Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy for the period 2008 to 2013. This was updated in 2016/1795 and includes a target to achieve 50% reuse and recycling by 2020. In support of this target, Wokingham Borough Council introduced food waste collection in April 2019. Work is ongoing regarding an overarching update. This Plan will support any subsequent update.
7.13 More recently, the Government’s Resources and Waste Strategy96 sets a blueprint for eliminating avoidable plastic waste, doubling resource productivity and eliminating avoidable waste by 2050. As well as a move towards a circular economy, the Strategy sets out challenging targets including:
7.14 A number of significant movements of waste originating in the Plan area for treatment outside of the Plan area have been identified. These movements are scheduled to continue through much of the Plan period and their continuation has been considered in developing the Plan, though the long-term ambition is to achieve waste net self-sufficiency.
7.15 As net self-sufficiency seeks to cover the quantity of waste produced in the Plan area, but not necessarily the exact types of waste produced, it is recognised that a certain amount of waste movements in and out of the Plan area will continue.
7.16 In line with the Waste Management Plan for England97 therefore, the Central & Eastern Berkshire Authorities will plan to provide new waste management facilities of the right type, in the right place and at the right time.
| Policy W1 Sustainable waste development strategy
|
Implementation
7.17 Proposals will need to demonstrate how the development achieves the highest achievable level within the waste hierarchy and how much residual waste (requiring disposal) will typically be created per annum.
7.18 Depending on the facility type, waste management activities will be supported in principle where waste will be managed as close to its source as possible to reduce long distance transport, or where it is demonstrated that it represents sustainable development.
7.19 The Central & Eastern Berkshire Authorities will work jointly in planning for the provision of larger facilities that serve the wider Plan area. They will also work closely with neighbouring Waste Planning Authorities to plan for the provision of facilities that serve the wider South East.
7.20 Statements of Common Ground will be regularly reviewed through the ‘duty to cooperate’ to ensure the relationship with other Waste Planning Authorities outlined are still relevant.
7.21 Waste management capacity requirements are set out in Policy W3.
7.22 The spatial strategy for waste development is outlined in Policy W4 which includes identified waste sites and location criteria for new waste management development.
Monitoring
7.23 Monitoring Indicators:
| Monitoring Issue | Monitoring Indicator | (Threshold) for Policy Review |
|---|---|---|
Effective engagement with other waste planning authorities. |
Up-to-date Statements of Common Ground and annual ‘duty to cooperate’ | n/a |
| Application of the waste hierarchy. | Recovery capacity |
Percentage of recovery capacity delivered is greater than recycling capacity delivered |
| Landfill capacity | Percentage of landfill capacity delivered is greater than recovery capacity delivered |
7.24 The Central & Eastern Berkshire Authorities have a network of waste treatment and transfer facilities which are critical to meeting the long-term waste management needs of the Plan area. In addition, there are also a number of significant long-term movements of waste arisings within the Plan area moving outside of the Plan area for treatment.
7.25 However, treatment capacity within the Plan area is less than the waste arisings generated. As such, it is considered that all waste management capacity facilities, including treatment and transfer facilities and those which provide a temporary function should be safeguarded from encroachment or loss to other forms of development, particularly in light of increasing pressures on land for competing uses such as housing.
7.26 It is important that existing and allocated waste sites are not hindered by ‘encroachment’ of inappropriate development in close proximity in order that the operational potential of the waste site is not negatively impacted.
| Policy W2 Safeguarding of waste management facilities
|
Implementation
7.27 Waste management sites are less geographically and geologically restricted than mineral sites but can face pressures from incompatible non-waste development. This is because many waste management activities can be located on industrial land, where land rental values can be high. Waste management typically generates less high value end products which means activities on prime industrial locations are not always viable to sustain.
7.28 Planning policy has a role to play in protecting waste management sites from competing pressures. It is important to avoid the loss of facilities or allocated waste management sites as this capacity may not be replaced elsewhere. This limits the ability to manage waste close to where it is generated and in sustainable locations in terms of transport, and the ability to maintain provision to meet waste management needs.
7.29 Furthermore, to encourage proposals for the necessary level of capacity required over the Plan period, new developed waste management facilities should be automatically safeguarded until the required capacity requirements have been met.
7.30 A list of safeguarded sites (operational and planned) is outlined in Appendix E. It will be maintained by the Central & Eastern Berkshire Authorities and reported in the Monitoring Report. This will be updated as permissions are granted, and sites are closed and no longer require safeguarding.
7.31 It is recognised that it is not always appropriate to protect existing waste management sites from redevelopment or encroachment by other uses. Many planning permissions for waste management activities are temporary, which may reflect the aim of returning the land to its previous use or developing / restoring it for an alternative use longer term. Where temporary facilities are safeguarded, this will be for the duration of the planning permission related to the specific activity.
7.32 It may be appropriate to redevelop some safeguarded sites if they offer strong regeneration potential. The impact on the overall waste handling capacity would need to be assessed in order to maintain capacity levels. Any change in site use would need to be considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure sufficient waste capacity was maintained in the Plan area.
7.33 Sites for waste recovery to land operations using CD&E waste are not safeguarded as these generally involved other land uses and constitute a form of engineering works.
7.34 In the case of encroaching future development, it must be demonstrated that mitigation measures are in place to ensure that the proposed development is adequately protected from any potential adverse impacts from the existing waste development.
7.35 Encroaching development is considered as any development which impacts upon the waste management activities or associated activity (such as transport) of a site.
7.36 In line with the “agent of change” principle in national planning policy98, it will be expected that the potentially encroaching development will need to provide adequate mitigation measures to avoid prejudicing or jeopardising the safeguarded site or provide evidence that the safeguarded site will be unaffected. Different sites will require different assessments, for example encroachment on an inert waste recycling site might require a noise impact assessment while encroachment on a wastewater treatment works would require an odour impact assessment.
7.37 Where this infrastructure is located outside of the Plan area, the Central & Eastern Berkshire Authorities will provide support to the relevant Waste Planning Authority should there be the need to defend the safeguarding or support the replacement of the capacity.
7.38 Replacement capacity would only be considered to satisfy the circumstances outlined in Policy W2 if the capacity is provided within the Plan area. Alternative facilities will need to be applied for and developed with the specific intent that they are providing replacement capacity.
7.39 The replacement capacity can be provided in various ways, including new sites, expansion or intensification of existing sites and across multiple sites. It would be expected that the replacement capacity matches the type of waste management capacity that is being lost or achieves a higher level within the waste hierarchy.
Monitoring
7.40 Monitoring Indicators:
| Monitoring Issue | Monitoring Indicator | (Threshold) for Policy Review |
|---|---|---|
Safeguarding permanent waste infrastructure. |
Safeguarded permanent waste sites developed for non-waste uses without replacement capacity. |
Number of safeguarded permanent waste sites developed for non-waste uses without replacement capacity > 0 |
| Loss of permanent waste management capacity | Amount of capacity lost (in tonnes) through developed safeguarded permanent waste sites. |
7.41 Waste capacity requirements have been estimated through national data from waste management facilities and national and local information on waste capacity within and near the Plan area. Further details can be found in the Waste Background Study99.
7.42 The Central & Eastern Berkshire Authorities will aim to provide and/or facilitate sustainable management of waste for Central and Eastern Berkshire within the Plan area. However, given the extent of existing movements of waste to treatment facilities outside of the Plan area, it is recognised that this may be difficult to prevent and that they will have to work with other Waste Planning Authorities outside of the Plan area.
7.43 Planning for the management of waste in line with this principle conforms with both National Planning Policy for Waste100 and Planning Practice Guidance101 which highlights that there is no expectation that each local planning authority should deal solely with its own waste to meet the requirements of self-sufficiency.
7.44 These movements of waste have an implication on the waste treatment capacity required within Central and Eastern Berkshire. The amount of waste ‘imports’ and ‘exports’ to and from the Plan area are not static. However, the capacity requirements identified provide what is considered the minimum additional amount of waste treatment capacity needed within Central and Eastern Berkshire.
7.45 Should the waste movements cease within the Plan period, it is expected that additional waste treatment capacity would be required within the Plan area. However, market forces may result in the capacity shortfall being addressed elsewhere.
7.46 The capacity requirements outlined in this Plan take into consideration current levels of capacity and seek to address the future arisings expected up to 2036. The key arisings and expected capacity gap are discussed in Table 3.
7.47 It is important to note that any calculations of waste arisings and capacity are estimates based on a number of assumptions and approximations. Furthermore, waste arisings are subject to significant yearly fluctuations.
Table 3 Estimated arisings and capacity gaps (based on 2018 data calculations, as detailed in the Waste Background Study)
| Type of waste | Estimated arisings in 2036 | Existing and allocated treatment capacity | Capacity gap based on difference between predicted arisings and treatment capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tonnes per annum | |||
| Non-hazardous | 870,000 | 326,000 | 543,000 |
| Inert | 1,172,000 | 598,000 | 574,000 |
| Hazardous | 24,100 | 24,500 | -400 |
| Total | 2,066,100 | 948,500 | 1,116,600 |
7.48 Each of the above waste streams consists of different materials that may need differing waste facilities. The non-hazardous waste stream can also be subdivided into materials that can be recycled and materials that need to go to recovery in order to divert them from landfill, as well as a small proportion of waste sludge.
7.49 The capacity gap for the main types of materials in each stream is considered in this Plan, while acknowledging that these may change in the future depending on markets, technologies and changes in waste composition.
Recycling capacity requirements for non-hazardous waste
7.50 Recycling is higher up the waste hierarchy than recovery or landfill, so is a preferable form of waste management. It includes a variety of waste streams, such as dry-mixed recyclables, composting and metals.
7.51 In total, taking into account forecast waste growth and the integration of a headroom capacity, detailed material analysis of waste known to be exported from the Plan area shows that around equal quantities of waste are leaving to be recycled, as are being recovered outside the Plan area. However, in order to promote recycling in line with the waste hierarchy, the Plan will aim to provide more recycling than recovery provision, around 300,000 tpa by 2036.
Residual capacity requirements for non-hazardous waste
Recovery capacity
7.52 Treatment through means of recovery is encouraged, if recycling is not possible, in order to keep waste away from landfill.
7.53 The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead sends residual household waste to the Ardley Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) in Oxfordshire under a contractual agreement due to run to 2030, although two 5-year extensions have been agreed within the current arrangement which could extend this to 2040.
7.54 In addition, residual household waste from the Re3 Authorities (Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham) is sent to the Lakeside ERF in Slough under a contract to 2031. This facility is immediately adjacent to the Plan area and meets the proximity principle for managing waste, that waste is managed as close as possible to the source.
7.55 The long-term contracts with these two facilities and the close working relationship, particularly between the Central & Eastern Berkshire Authorities and Slough Borough Council, mean that these waste movements are likely to continue in the future and address some of the capacity needs for arisings from the Plan area. However, any changes to the ability to send waste for recovery to these two facilities, particularly the Lakeside ERF, will significantly impact the projected waste capacity gap in the Plan area.
7.56 The Government has indicated that it prefers the proposed additional runway at Heathrow airport as an airport expansion option102 and, should the proposal proceed, Heathrow will submit a Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the Planning Inspectorate.
7.57 It is currently uncertain as to whether the Lakeside ERF will be lost or alternatively relocated. A planning application has been submitted for relocation to a site nearby. However, relocating such a facility is a complex project that is still subject to negotiation and practical considerations, as well as planning consents and other permits.
7.58 The potential loss of this facility would have a significant impact on waste capacity requirements within the Plan area and across the wider region. There are a number of other waste streams processed in facilities that are part of the Lakeside complex or nearby that could also be affected by the proposed expansion of Heathrow and would further exacerbate the provision of waste capacity in the area.
7.59 In addition to these movements, some non-hazardous waste originating from the Plan area, which has the potential to be treated through recovery, is currently sent to non-hazardous landfills outside of the Plan area.
7.60 As discussed in the Recycling capacity requirements section, while similar amounts of waste are known to go to recycling and recovery facilities outside the Plan area, in line with the waste hierarchy more recycling capacity is planned, leaving around 245,000 tpa of recovery capacity to be provided.
7.61 The recovery requirement can be delivered through a range of technologies including anaerobic digestion, combined heat and power, gasification and pyrolysis.
Landfill capacity
7.62 Despite the level of effective technology currently available to divert waste away from landfill, there is still a requirement for this option for dealing with wastes which cannot currently be recycled, or which are contrary to the input specification of recovery and pre-recovery treatment facilities.
7.63 Non-hazardous waste arising from Central and Eastern Berkshire is currently sent to landfill. Nearly half is sent to the Sutton Courtenay Landfill (Oxfordshire), which has planning permission until 2030 with no further non-hazardous landfill provision planned in Oxfordshire.
7.64 In 2017, Star Works landfill site at Knowl Hill near Maidenhead was the only operational landfill site within Central and Eastern Berkshire which accepted non-hazardous waste. This operation has since ceased, and the landfill is due to be restored by 2021103.
7.65 The South East Waste Planning Advisory Group (SEWPAG) has recognised that, with the early closing of landfill sites and the successful diversion of waste from landfill, there is likely to be a move towards regionally strategic landfill sites in the near future104.
7.66 Additional non-hazardous landfill capacity will therefore be considered where there is a clearly demonstrated need.
Hazardous waste capacity requirements
7.67 Hazardous waste and the facilities required to manage it are often of a regional or national nature as the quantities of waste from each local authority are too small to justify a greater number of facilities. As such, this waste can travel further than other types of waste.
7.68 The hazardous waste generated within the Plan area is treated in various facilities across a number of local authority areas.
7.69 It is estimated that there is no further requirement for additional treatment capacity by the end of the Plan period. However, provision of additional hazardous waste facilities may still be necessary due to the specialist nature of this waste and the likelihood that it is transported further than other types of waste.
Sludge, liquid, effluent and waste water treatment capacity requirements
7.70 There is currently very limited capacity for sludge treatment within the Plan area. The majority of this arising is managed by Thames Water facilities in neighbouring areas, most notably in Slough and Surrey.
7.71 This may be a particular waste stream that needs to be accommodated within the Plan area, in order to enable this type of waste to be managed as close to where it is produced as possible.
7.72 Capacity requirements for the treatment of waste water are usually considered in the Business Plans of the relevant water companies. Thames Water’s 2020-2025 Business Plan105 outlines that it will invest in 48 wastewater treatment sites and there are plans to increase the reuse of wastewater.
Inert recycling and recovery capacity
7.73 The majority of inert waste is treated outside of the Plan area, predominantly at facilities in West Berkshire and Oxfordshire.
7.74 Even considering various planned schemes, and end dates of existing treatment capacity within the Plan area, there is still likely to be a need for around 575,000 tpa by 2036 of additional inert recycling, or recovery capacity.
7.75 This need can be delivered through a range of technologies such as recycled aggregate processing or through infill of material used in restoration or engineering projects to mitigate flood risk, such as that at Green Park Village in Reading.
7.76 Policy M3 aims to provide a steady and adequate supply of sand and gravel at an average rate of 0.628 Mtpa. Depending on restoration proposals, future sites in the Plan area that provide this supply may necessitate inert infill and provide inert recovery capacity.
7.77 It is recognised that there are data limitations to any waste arisings methodology and that the use of assumptions reduces the accuracy of the figures106. Furthermore, inaccuracies in waste data coding and collection, as well as year on year variations, add further uncertainty. Therefore, the identified level of capacity provision provides a guide for the types of capacity that will be required in the form of a minimum treatment capacity requirement for the Plan area over the Plan period.
| Policy W3 Waste capacity requirements
|
Implementation
7.78 Proposals will need to demonstrate how the development achieves the highest possible level within the waste hierarchy and how much residual waste (requiring disposal) will typically be created per annum.
7.79 Depending on the facility type, waste management activities will be supported in principle where waste will be managed as close to its source as possible to reduce long distance transport, or where it is demonstrated that it represents sustainable development.
7.80 The Central & Eastern Berkshire Authorities will work jointly in planning for the provision of larger facilities that serve the wider Plan area and will also work closely with neighbouring Waste Planning Authorities to plan for the provision of facilities that serve the wider South East.
7.81 Proposals for non-hazardous landfill will be required to demonstrate their need as well as ensuring that;
7.82 Where Energy recovery development is being proposed, it must:
7.83 Proposals to treat sludge, liquid, effluent and waste water will need to demonstrate;
7.84 Other liquid waste treatment plant proposals that contribute to the treatment and disposal of oil and oil/water mixes and leachate will be expected to be located as near as possible to its source.
7.85 Aggregate recycling facilities accept hard inert material which is crushed and filtered to produce recycled and secondary aggregates of various grades. The softer materials like soils, chalk and clay can also be recovered whereby they may be used as beneficial fill materials for landscaping, for example. To increase the management of inert waste higher up the waste hierarchy, all inert waste elements capable of producing high quality recycled aggregates should be removed for recycling.
Monitoring
7.86 Monitoring of waste arisings and progress in increasing capacity will be particularly important as waste quantities can vary considerably from year to year, making predictions of growth less reliable. Growth rates will be regularly checked, while allowing enough time for yearly fluctuations to even out.
7.87 Monitoring Indicators:
| Monitoring Issue | Monitoring Indicator | (Threshold) for Policy Review |
|---|---|---|
Capacity of waste management facilities |
Net loss of waste management capacity from closure of sites |
Breach over 3 consecutive years |
| Significant changes to waste arisings | Year on year growth of more than 5% | Cumulative breach over 5 years |
| Loss of the Lakeside ERF | Facility no longer accepting Plan area waste | Loss of Lakeside facility without replacement. |
| Hazardous waste capacity | Hazardous waste treatment and transfer management capacity | Hazardous waste treatment and transfer management capacity is lower than arisings* |
*Transfer included as it is recognised that this waste generally travels further due to its specialist nature
7.88 The following minimum targets for waste management provision will also be monitored to ensure that Policy W3 is on track to address the increase in required capacity through the Plan period.
| Non-hazardous recycling or recovery (cumulative extra capacity) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| By 2025 | By 2030 | By 2036 | |
| Tonnes per annum | |||
| Non-hazardous recycling capacity | 95,000 | 190,000 | 300,000 |
| Non-hazardous recovery capacity | 75,000 | 155,000 | 245,000 |
| Inert recycling or recovery capacity | 180,000 | 360,000 | 575,000 |
7.89 Modern waste management facilities can be located on different types of land, if the location is appropriate for the proposed activity. In Central and Eastern Berkshire, the existing network of facilities is generally focused on the main urban areas, although some facilities such as composting tend to be in more rural areas.
7.90 Recycling and recovery facilities enclosed in buildings are typically of an industrial nature and deal with largely segregated materials. Activities involve preparing or sorting waste for re-use and include materials recovery facilities (MRF), waste transfer stations (WTS), dis-assembly and re-manufacturing plants, and reprocessing industries. Potential nuisances such as dust and noise can be mitigated as the activity is enclosed, meaning these facilities are compatible with industrial estates.
7.91 Smaller-scale facilities (with an approximate throughput of up to 50,000 tonnes per annum and requiring sites of 2 hectares or less) will normally be compatible with most general industrial estates.
7.92 Larger scale enclosed premises (typically requiring sites of 2-4 hectares, with a throughput in excess of 100,000 tonnes per annum) and facilities with a stack are likely to be located on larger industrial estates or suitable brownfield sites.
7.93 Sites suitable for general industrial uses are those identified as suitable for B2 (including mixed B2/B8), or some uses within the B8 use class107 (namely open-air storage). Waste management uses would not normally be suitable on land identified only for E(g)(iii) (industrial processes), although a limited number of low impact waste management uses (e.g. the dis-assembly of electrical equipment) may be suitable on these sites. Some industrial estates will not be considered suitable for certain waste management facilities because for instance the units are small, the estate is akin to a business park, or it is located close to residential properties.
7.94 Energy Recovery Facilities (ERFs) which include advanced thermal treatment processes such as pyrolysis and gasification/plasma conversion require built facilities and, in some cases, a stack (i.e. chimney). Sites must be carefully selected and sensitively designed to avoid visual and other amenity and environmental impacts and to provide renewable energy to serve the surrounding area. The location of these facilities is influenced by the location of those using the heat and energy generated and the need to access fuel feedstock. This means that where appropriate, energy recovery Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants (which may also include non-waste fuel sources) may be encouraged alongside new and existing developments, or near sources of fuel feedstock. Small-scale community-based CHP schemes may be suitable within planned major development or regeneration areas or in mixed-use schemes. CHP could also be used in remote rural areas that do not have access to mains gas supplies.
7.95 Recycling and recovery activities which predominantly take place in the open (outside buildings) or involve large areas of open-air storage include biological waste treatment (including composting), construction, demolition and excavation (CD&E) recycling, end-of-life vehicle processing and some Household Waste Recycling Centres or Civic Amenity sites. Because these activities can create noise, odours and other emissions, they are not easily assimilated in built-up areas.
7.96 Some activities will be more ‘hybrid’ in nature, requiring sites with buildings and open storage areas. These may include outdoor MRF or waste transfer station (WTS), wharves and rail sidings for waste transhipment and/or storage. In most cases, the co-location of waste management facilities or processes to increase the recycling and recovery of waste is supported, particularly when the feedstock or outputs are well related.
7.97 A number of sites have been identified as being appropriate locations, in principle, for hosting waste management activities which are outlined in Appendix A.
7.98 These sites are not sufficient to meet the future waste management requirements of Central and Eastern Berkshire up to the end of the Plan period and therefore, it is expected that further new sites will come forward through market-led delivery.
7.99 A review of industrial estates and employment land108 has identified industrial estates and/or employment sites that are suitable for locating waste management facilities in the boroughs of Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham. These estates and sites are existing, or proposed, allocations for land uses which are considered compatible to waste uses.
7.100 This Plan does not seek to allocate the industrial estates or employment sites as this provision is made within the wider Development Plan.
7.101 The review concluded that 25 sites (referred to as ‘Preferred Waste Areas’) are potentially suitable for waste uses ranging from ‘Activities requiring a mix of enclosed buildings/plant and open ancillary areas (possibly involving biological treatment)’’ to ‘Activities requiring enclosed building with stack (small scale)’ (see Appendix B and Appendix C for more details).
7.102 All waste management has transport implications and transport impacts, and these should be minimised by ensuring that sites have good connectivity to the strategic network which is the principal transport network for moving waste in the Plan area.
7.103 The spatial approach to delivering new waste management capacity aims to allow waste capacity to be sited as close to the source and markets of the waste. Waste facilities will also need to support planned areas of major new development.
| Policy W4 Locations and sites for waste management
|
Implementation
7.104 The allocation of sites does not convey that planning permission will be automatically granted but indicates the locations that could provide sustainable development subject to the development considerations being addressed (see Appendix A).
7.105 Proposals for new sites will be supported where they are in ‘appropriate locations’ and therefore, comply with all relevant policies within this Plan.
7.106 The sites outlined in Policy W4 (2/a) are entirely located within the Green Belt which has special protection in respect to development. However, these sites are allocated for waste management purposes for the following reasons, in accordance with National Policy109:
7.107 The Preferred Waste Areas identified in Appendix C have been assessed on their suitability for waste management and are therefore prioritised over other locations. However, planning permission will not be automatically granted, and the proposals will need to comply with all relevant policies within this plan as well as consider the wider Local Plans and development strategies for Central and Eastern Berkshire.
7.108 Where proposals cannot be accommodated in the Preferred Waste Areas, they will need to demonstrate this, in which case they will be supported where they are in ‘appropriate locations’ and therefore, comply with all relevant policies within this Plan. Evidence of the requirement for a particular location will need to be provided in addition to compliance with the other relevant policies in the Plan.
7.109 All sites must have ‘good connectivity’ to the sources, or markets and strategic transport routes as defined by Policy DM11.
7.110 Opportunities to provide waste treatment facilities at existing developed locations in addition to those outlined in Appendix C such as employment sites where general industrial and distribution activities are located (B2/B8 land uses)110, or on previously developed land are strongly supported.
7.111 In accordance with the other policies in this Plan, activities involving open areas will only be supported if they do not have adverse environmental impacts, and noise and emissions are controlled by effective enclosure and other techniques.
7.112 There may be a special need or circumstances where both enclosed and open-air facilities can be justified on sites outside main urban areas. Facilities may require a more rural location because this is closer to the source of the waste being treated or the activity is related to an agricultural activity. For instance, anaerobic digestion (AD) plants and composting facilities may need to be located where there is an available feedstock and where residues can be disposed to land for beneficial purposes. Proposals would generally be of a smaller scale than that proposed in urban areas or on edge of the urban / rural area (the urban fringe).
7.113 Proposals requiring a more rural location will be required to demonstrate a special need or explain why the waste management activity should be located at that particular site.
7.114 Facilities for recycling, particularly inert or construction, demolition and excavation (CD&E) waste, that produce recycled or secondary aggregate, are sometimes located in historic landfills or current/former quarries. In almost all cases, it is expected that that former quarries or landfills will be restored but there may be exceptions where the benefits from continued development at some host locations are considered to be more sustainable than re-locating the development elsewhere. CD&E waste recycling facilities can also be acceptable on some industrial sites, particularly in close proximity to sources of waste.
7.115 New waste water and sewage treatment plants, extensions to existing works, or facilities for the co-disposal of sewage with other wastes will be supported where the location minimises any adverse environmental or other impact that the development is likely to give rise to, and the site is considered appropriate by meeting all relevant policies within this Plan.
7.116 The co-location of activities with existing operations will be supported, where appropriate, if commensurate with the operational life of the site, and where it would not result in intensification of uses that would cause unacceptable harm to the environment or communities in a local area (including access routes), or prolong any unacceptable impacts associated with the existing development.
7.117 A number of development projects111 are planned over the Plan period. These projects will have implications for waste management and also provide opportunities to host appropriate waste management development, particularly within major areas of development such as at Grazeley, a possible Garden Settlement which includes land in Wokingham and Reading.
Monitoring
7.118 Monitoring Indicators:
| Monitoring Issue | Monitoring Indicator | (Threshold) for Policy Review |
|---|---|---|
Appropriately located waste management. |
Permissions in accordance with Policy W4 (2/b) |
Number of permissions in accordance with Policy W4 (1/a and 2/a) > than those in accordance W4 (2/b) |
7.119 There may be opportunities for the re-working of former landfill sites to either remove existing landfilled materials in order to reuse the land or void, or to exploit benefits from the in-situ material itself. Such materials may be valuable and therefore the re-working of such sites would enable the value to be recovered in addition to providing additional landfill capacity if needed.
7.120 One former landfill site within Central and Eastern Berkshire has already been successfully reworked, albeit to enable the delivery of residential development rather than the reuse for waste. The former Badnell’s Pit in Maidenhead was given permission by the Planning Inspectorate in March 2006 for the removal of landfill waste and replacement with clean fill.
7.121 Having been subject to unregulated landfill activities between the 1940s and 1960s, the site was heavily contaminated and there were concerns that removal of the material would cause a serious risk to health. However, the Planning Inspectorate concluded that, subject to conditions, the benefits of the proposed development were sufficient to outweigh the harm that might be caused. The site is now known as Boulters Meadow and is a residential development with over 400 homes.
| Policy W5 Reworking landfills
|
Implementation
7.122 The extent of the opportunities for re-working of landfill sites in Central and Eastern Berkshire is unknown and it is likely that considerable work may need to be undertaken to ascertain the 'value' of the sites in Central and Eastern Berkshire by any potential developer. However, pressure on land for housing may result in these opportunities becoming more economically beneficial. Therefore, consideration should be given to the wider Development Plan for Central and Eastern Berkshire.
7.123 By-products associated with the landfill may include the leachate and/or the gas.
7.124 Proposals for re-working landfills will only be permitted which comply with all relevant policies within this Plan.
7.125 Proposals brought forward for the re-working of landfill will also need to consider backfill materials, if applicable, as part of the planned restoration.
Monitoring
7.126 Monitoring Indicators:
| Monitoring Issue | Monitoring Indicator | (Threshold) for Policy Review |
|---|---|---|
Appropriate re-working of landfills. |
Permissions not in accordance with Policy W5 |
Number of Permissions not in accordance with Policy W5 > 0 |
93 National Planning Policy for Waste (Para. 3) - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/364759/141015_National_Planning_Policy_for_Waste.pdf
94 Waste Framework Directive - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/6077/2116950.pdf
95 Re3 Joint Municipal Management Strategy (2008 - 2013) - http://wokingham.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s10056/Re3%20Waste%20Strategy%20App.pdf
96 Our waste, our resources: a Strategy for England (2018) - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/resources-and-waste-strategy-for-england
97 Waste Management Plan for England - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/waste-management-plan-for-england
98 National Planning Policy Framework (Para. 187) - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1005759/NPPF_July_2021.pdf
99 Waste Background Study (July 2020) - www.hants.gov.uk/berksconsult
100 National Planning Policy for Waste (2014) - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/364759/141015_National_Planning_Policy_for_Waste.pdf
101 Planning Practice Guidance (Waste - Para. 007) - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/waste
102 2 Government announcement regarding Heathrow expansion - www.gov.uk/government/news/government-decides-on-new-runway-at-heathrow
103 Subject to any applications for extension of time.
104 The Central & Eastern Berkshire Authorities are members of SEWPAG and signatories of a number of relevant position statements
105 Here for you: Our Business Plan 2020 to 2025 (Thames Water) - https://corporate.thameswater.co.uk/-/media/Site-Content/Thames-Water/Corporate/AboutUs/Our-strategies-and-plans/PR19/Our-plan-2020-to-2025.pdf
106 Waste: Background Study (July 2020) - www.hants.gov.uk/Berksconsult
107 The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 - http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1987/764/schedule/made - as amended by The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Order 2010 - http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/653/article/2/made
108 Waste: Proposals Study (July 2020) - www.hants.gov.uk/berksconsult
109 National Planning Policy for Waste (Para. 6) - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/364759/141015_National_Planning_Policy_for_Waste.pdf
110 The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 - http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1987/764/schedule/made - as amended by The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Order 2010 - http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/653/article/2/made
111 Minerals / Waste: Background Study (July 2020) - www.hants.gov.uk/berksconsult
< Previous | ^ Top | Next >