Planning reform top priority for new ESA chairman

Ian Goodfellow, who is managing director of Shanks, said that difficulties getting permission for waste facilities had been an issue during his first spell as chairman of the association in 2001 and it would be his priority once again because it had not yet been addressed.

His comments came as he officially took on the role from previous chairman Malcolm Ward at a ceremony at the London Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square last week (November 27).

Mr Goodfellow said: “We need to get the planning permission right. Part of my challenge going forward is to push planning really hard.”

Guidance

Mr Goodfellow also praised Mr Ward for steering the ESA – which is the trade association for the waste management sector – through a difficult year.

He said: “He's been a really good chairman for the association. We are all grateful for the guidance that he gave us.”

For his part, Mr Ward said that ESA members had successfully found outlets for materials “even at the worst of the markets”. He added that Mr Goodfellow had all the right skills and experience needed in a chairman, especially given the economic climate.

Going forward, Mr Ward said that, whoever won the next election, they must ensure there was the right investment in waste infrastructure and the correct implementation of environmental law.

Pointing to a year-on-year reduction in accidents, he also claimed that health and safety would remain the first agenda item on ESA board meetings.