The consultation was launched this week, and closes on December 19. The process is separate to the PFI contract currently being procured by Cambridgeshire county council.
” It is vital that we raise the standard of new waste management facilities so they may be incorporated into future and existing communities. “
– Cllr Linda Oliver, Cambridgeshire CC
Residents' comments will be used to help create a supplementary planning document entitled “The design and location of major waste management facilities”.
The document sets out a series of key development principles based on recognised good planning and design practice, it is intended to:
- Encourage those involved in the design and development of major waste management facilities to work together
- Provide a good practice benchmark to guide developments and designs, and to speed the evaluation and approval proposals
- Achieve the highest standards of design in relation to integration, layout, access, materials and environment
Facilities suggested by the councils for consideration include a possible energy from waste plant, inert waste processing facilities, anaerobic digestion, several composting possibilities and a materials recycling facility.
In terms of location, the councils have said that preference will be given to industrial sites and “less sensitive locations”, although provisions have been made for rural buildings if their locations are suitable. The councils have said that rural locations on or near roads or other transport links are potentially appropriate.
The supplementary document is intended to help waste developers and the two waste planning authorities to bring forward waste management developments which the council claims will be “high quality in their design and fit in with their surroundings.”
Cambridgeshire county council's lead member for Environment, Cllr Linda Oliver, said: “People and businesses want to recycle their waste and with thousands of new homes due to be built in the area we will need new facilities to help us do this.
“With the cost of landfill spiralling these new recycling and waste facilities must become part of our everyday life. However, it is vital that we raise the standard of new waste management facilities so they may be incorporated into future and existing communities, making them far more sustainable,” she added.
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Cambridgeshire county council is currently procuring for a PFI backed waste management contract. Four companies are currently shortlisted for the contract – Donarbon, Focsa, Shanks and WRG.
The companies will be returning their bids to Cambridgeshire by December 29, 2005 –Cambridgeshire is expected to announce a preferred bidder in August 2006. The contract is set to start the following year.
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