Bio MRFs at Jenkins Lane, Borough of Newham and Frog Island, Borough of Havering: East London Waste Authority

• Applications for the Bio MRFs to accept 180 000 tpa of residual waste were submitted by Shanks in late 2003. The planning process was run by consultants on behalf of Shanks.

• The applications were determined within 6 months of submission although issuing of the permissions was delayed by the legal agreements.

• Limited opposition to the proposal; those that did object did so on the grounds that there were already numerous waste management facilities in the area.

• The waste strategy was developed in 1996 in response to the recognised need for an alternative to landfill plus a need for higher environmental attainment. The strategy was developed at a high level and concentrated on outputs. Environmental targets were adopted by reflecting the recycling and diversion from landfill targets in the national waste strategy. As the strategy was output based it was suitable for PFI, and once PFI support was achieved PFI contractors were asked to bring forward proposals that would deliver the high-level strategy. The Integrated Waste Management PFI Contract was signed in December, 2002.

Keys to successful determination

• Process went smoothly for all parties - primarily as a result of the large amount of work completed prior to the start of the planning application process as well as during the process.

• Shanks have a good working relationship with the authorities, and employing consultants to undertake the planning work was a successful move.

• Good project management was undertaken with enough time allowed for all the processes. Unforseen delays resulted from third parties involved with the legal agreement.

• The waste strategy was in place prior to the submission of the planning application and was agreed by all 4 boroughs in the East London Waste Authority which acknowledged the benefits of the facilities and that they would contribute towards the delivery of the waste strategy.

• A strategic approach is fundamental to the smooth running of the planning process.