The community
The influence of the local community should not be underestimated. Municipal waste facilities are usually funded by the public sector and therefore paid for by the taxpayer. Local authorities are also accountable to the local population in terms of what is provided and where. Thorough consultation with the
The strategists Public sector bodies at national, regional and local levels have clear responsibilities for developing strategies and plans for the future management of waste in their areas. These strategies and plans are driven, to a large degree, by requirements passed down through European legislation, as described in Chapter 2, and set the tone for new development. This is spelt out within the aims, objectives and policy instruments within national guidance, regional strategies and the local development framework. |
| The providers The key players in the public sector charged with the responsibility for delivering new facilities are those that are legally responsible for collecting waste and for managing it. These are commonly referred to as the waste collection and waste disposal authorities (WCAs and WDAs). In a unitary authority area these are generally the same authority. These authorities are often the project funders and will need to make judgements about the level of design quality, investment required and value for money. |
| The regulators These are stakeholders with input into the permission process required before proposals can be implemented. The main bodies concerned with planning and permitting are the local planning authority and the Environment Agency. Within a local authority ultimate responsibility for many of the decisions made rests with the elected council members. Some decisions may be delegated to officers but most waste applications are likely to go in front of the relevant planning committee. There are also a series of statutory and non-statutory consultees with responsibility for protecting certain interest areas. The Planning Inspectorate also has a role to play in processing planning and enforcement appeals and holding inquiries into development plans. |
community should be at the heart of the delivery of new waste facilities. It is important to remember that the 'local community' may take several guises, most obviously in the form of parish councils, local residents and community groups, but also including local businesses and interest groups such as wildlife trusts. The community may also have a long-term involvement with a facility, particularly where it provides a key service (e.g. household waste recycling centres) or incorporates a local resource (e.g. an education centre).
Formal community involvement Some members of the community can play a formal role in the decision making process, most commonly as consultees to the planning process. Parish Councils and other local groups are likely to make formal comment on planning applications and their views will be taken on board by the local planning authority. |
| Informal community involvement Local people are likely to come to their own conclusions regarding a proposed development and may voice strong opinions for or against. Effective involvement and communication with the local community should be at the heart of the delivery of a new facility and can play a major role in a successful planning outcome. Demonstrating that a facility is needed, together with clear justification for a design solution is critical. A structured and well-designed public communication strategy with or without expert assistance can greatly assist in alleviating any unfounded fears or concerns. |
PRINCIPLES IN PRACTICE i-recycle Centre, Islington, London
What is it? • Innovative education centre within working waste management facility; Hornsey Street Waste, Re-use and Recycling Facility Design Features • Elements within the centre are made entirely of recycled or sustainable material. • Resource for Islington schools and community groups. • Developed in collaboration with experts from the National Science Museum. • Features touch-screen displays, games and videos as teaching aids to inform children and adults about recycling and waste issues
Images courtesy of Islington Council |
