National level policy documents establish the overall principles and incentives for good design whether specific to waste or not (such as PPS 10 and Waste Strategy 2007). At this level design reference is likely to be broad, non-specific and possibly aspirational. However, it is critical that design requirements and overall expectations are embedded in policy at this level. Otherwise there is no incentive to implement these objectives at a local level.
Regional government is responsible for identifying broad locations for national, regional and sub-regional waste facilities and initial consideration of the treatment requirements to meet the region's needs. The regional spatial strategy sets the agenda for policy formulation at a local level and design considerations should be intrinsic to this.
For local authorities, the starting point in terms of municipal waste facilities is the preparation of the local waste strategy. Key decisions at this stage influence various things such as the number and size of facilities and potential technology solutions to be considered.
According to national planning guidance, waste facilities should be brought forward in accordance with a plan-led system where clear policies provide structure and control to land use planning. From a local planning perspective the role of design therefore begins with the formulation of local development documents which can set the scene for high asperations in design. Site allocations should have regard to how facility design will fit with site setting, neighbours and other appropriate selection criteria, including environmental constraints.
'In planning for the achievement of high quality and inclusive design, planning authorities should have regard to good practice set out in By Design - Urban design in the planning system: towards better practice (2000); By Design - better places to live (2001); Safer Places - the Planning System and Crime Prevention (2004); and Planning and Access for Disabled People: A Good Practice Guide (2003).' Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering |
From a private developer perspective, good design at the outset needs to be integrated into the raison d'etre of the project, leading to planning benefits, community acceptance, sustainable credentials, whole life cost savings and so on. Developers will often maintain a singular focus on commercial drivers, so it is important they understand that good design may be the key to whether their project proceeds or not. As in other sectors, such as urban design, developers know that certain minimum standards have to be met. These may go well beyond the pure functionality of the use of the building they are developing.
Key public sector instruments to reinforce principles for good design ■ Regional Spatial Strategy ■ Municipal Waste Management Strategy ■ Local Development Framework ■ Statement of Community Involvement and other stakeholder engagement strategies ■ the role in procurement, invitation to tender, bid evaluation, design briefs, contract specifications and performance criteria. |
How design impinges on the initial planning stages of a project might have significant implications for setting the budget. Of particular relevance is the balance between the cost of providing a purely functional facility and the added value that good design can bring.
The local waste collection strategy also has design implications. The approach to domestic waste collection has implications for streetscape and the attractiveness of the places in which we live. There are also practical considerations. For example, if sorting takes place at the kerbside, what impact could this have on road congestion in high-density areas? In addition, issues such as vehicle size and requirements for bin storage can influence wider urban design considerations.
In urban centres waste collection infrastructure also has an important role. It is important that suitable facilities are provided to maintain a tidy appearance but this can be detrimental to the local environment in terms of street clutter and the overall appearance of our towns and cites. Strategic and urban design considerations need to be factored into key decisions regarding waste collection.
People involved in the design and consideration of waste collection facilities need to think laterally. How can waste collection be best integrated with the local community, streetscape or urban design principles? When waste management is considered in this way it is clear that the design of infrastructure and strategy has a major influence on the places that we live in.