Touch Point 2 Early engagement with the planning and permitting processes is essential in the delivery of waste infrastructure projects. |
Action required: • WDA must be mindful of the location guidance for waste facilities as set out in PPS 10 and the Companion Guide when procuring sites not already identified in an existing waste local plan or DPD. Broad locations set out in the RSS will also be relevant. • Ensure those making planning applications and engaging with the planning process have the appropriate skills in planning and community engagement and that pre-application discussions and procedures are followed. • Ensure good design is incorporated into the application. Ensure requirements and guidance in any available supplementary planning guidance (SPG) or supplementary planning documents (SPD) outlining requirements for submission of a planning application are followed. For example, Dorset County Council has produced SPG which states the level of information the planning authority requires to accompany applications for mineral or waste operations.3 • The overall procurement timetable must provide for enough time for any baseline studies and data gathering and for the determination of planning, PPC permit and WML applications. • Discuss permitting requirements with the pollution control authority, normally the Environment Agency. |
To achieve the successful delivery of a waste infrastructure project, thorough attention must be given to every stage of the process in terms of both the acquisition of the sites and the submission and determination of the planning applications. It is important that everybody involved in the process knows not only what their responsibilities are but understands what parts are played by others in the process. As set out in Defra's Waste Strategy for England, 2007 engagement with the planning process will be a factor in deciding on the allocation of additional financial assistance and support to be provided to local authorities through WIDP.
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3 Defra has commissioned the production of a design guide for waste management facilities to assist both developers and planning authorities.