24 October 2007
A consultation has been launched today aimed at setting a framework for developing a network of modern waste management facilities for Wales.
Cllr Richard Parry Hughes (Gwynedd), WLGA Spokesperson for Planning and Environment said:
“Today’s launch of the three draft Regional Waste Plans is an important step towards developing a new generation of waste management facilities across Wales that are environmentally friendly, well planned, well designed, well operated and well regulated.”
“Waste management affects everyone across Wales. We all produce rubbish that needs dealing with and today’s consultation will give communities a fuller understanding of what happens to their waste when it is collected from their house, office or bring site and will encourage people to participate more in Waste management processes.”
“Until recently, we have had a simple approach to waste management across Wales that is best described as ‘dig and dump’. This approach has to change as it is neither environmentally nor financially sustainable and also our landfill space is running out. Firstly, we need to reduce the amount of waste we produce in the first place then recycle as much as possible and finally, we must consider new technologies such as energy from waste with combined heat and power for waste that cannot be recycled as a safe, environmentally friendly, affordable and sustainable solution.”
“Today’s consultation offers a planning framework for dealing with all waste; household, construction and commercial waste. Having a sound, evidenced based regional framework will be important in helping local planning authorities to make robust decisions at the local level on appropriate waste management sites and aide them in their decision making around planning applications.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
- The first Regional Waste Plans, published in early 2004, set out a strategy for managing waste in each region. The Welsh Assembly Government planning policy requires that the plans are reviewed regularly.
- This first review of the plans has enabled local authorities and their partners to assess more types of technologies for managing residual waste and also to develop the extent to which the plans guide the location of new facilities.
- The draft Regional Waste Plan 1st Review documents contain two separate elements: a ‘Regional Waste Plan Technology Strategy’ – which provides strategic information on the types waste of management facilities required; and a ‘Regional Waste Plan Spatial Strategy’ – which provides strategic information on the types of locations likely to be acceptable.
- Over the last two years the local planning authorities in each region have worked jointly to develop and steer the project. They have also worked closely with their stakeholders which have included Cylch, the Confederation of British Industry, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Countryside Council for Wales, the Environment Agency Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government.
For more information contact: Natasha Weeks