Setting the design agenda - The process of establishing the need for the facilities gives local authorities an ideal opportunity to explain the design requirements that are likely to influence future proposals. Design considerations should be integrated with plan preparation to ensure that the design process is effective. Procuring authorities should establish design objectives and evaluation criteria early in the project specification and tendering process.
It is desirable to develop a design brief with the project team and review it with relevant stakeholders to ensure that it covers current functional and operational needs. This will allow early consensus and provide a reference point throughout the life of the project. Where sites form a part of a wider regeneration scheme or masterplan, planning authorities might find it helpful to include a design or planning brief as an addendum to its development plan documents.
The point where objectives are agreed and high level design options are considered is critical to achieving an appropriate level of quality. Getting this stage right with the stakeholders can help ensure future iterations of designs are effectively guided, thereby minimising future changes. It may be appropriate to employ a Client Design Advisor (CDA) at this point in the process to ensure that strong design principles are embedded from an early stage.
Core design - Any organisations involved in the project must have a commitment to effective design. A project that results in a well-designed waste facility will depend on the project team effectively working together to achieve a defined design brief.
Concept designs will be developed at this point, offering opportunities for engaging with the whole project team and wider stakeholders. Visualisation techniques such as photomontages can be useful at this stage to illustrate development scale and location. The technical advisor team and specialists such as architects, planners and engineers will have significant input at this stage.
It is important that all information, especially that targeted at a non-technical audience, is presented unambiguously. The ability to explain how the internal technical aspects of the facility have dictated the external design will be important in helping people's understanding.
The establishment of a local liaison group may provide focus and promote effective communication about a proposed development. This can be difficult and can be contentious, but it is often worth the extra effort. It is also at this point in the design process that the planning application will be submitted and details of a proposed development will become more widely available.
Design realisation - Stakeholder involvement should continue through the construction phase. It is likely that planning conditions will need to be met and this could require discussion and agreement with the local planning authority and relevant consultees. Continued community involvement will also help address any issues that may arise that may result in the construction methods/ approach being adapted.
Operation - Involvement does not stop when the facility is constructed. Appropriate consultation with stakeholders needs to be undertaken during the post-construction period. While the building is in use it is important to ensure that the building satisfies stakeholder requirements, particularly the waste disposal authority. Maintaining a local liaison group can help to ensure that any operational concerns or issues can be addressed effectively. Incorporating a visitor centre into an operational facility can provide a valuable local resource and develop links with the community.