Change of use to a materials recycling facility and the manufacture of solid recovered fuel.
Local Member: Councillor E. Selwyn Griffiths
Minutes:
Change of use to a
materials recycling facility and the manufacture of solid recovered fuel
(a) The Senior Officer – Minerals and Waste,
explained that this was a part retrospective application involving a material
change of use of an existing industrial unit into a materials recycling
facility for the manufacture of Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) from locally
sourced, pre-sorted non-hazardous skip waste.
The development would be subject to a throughput of 72,000 tonnes per
annum and contained wholly within the building. It was proposed that SRF would
be manufactured for sale to power generation companies and other users of solid
fuels.
(b) In relation to the principle of the
development, it was explained that Welsh Assembly Government had made it clear
through the adoption of the overarching waste strategy document for Wales,
Towards Zero Waste, that it was committed to a long term strategy for resource
efficiency and waste management between now and 2050, based on very high levels
of waste recycling and composting together with minimal levels of landfilling.
(c) It was noted that the development of a
facility for the manufacture of solid recovered fuel was acceptable in
principle at this location and complied with national and regional planning
policies and guidelines, and also with Policies C3 and C22 and D2 of the UDP,
subject to an assessment of the relevant planning considerations. It was noted
that the building was a suitable building for this type of activity.
Attention
was drawn to the additional observations that had been received.
(ch) Taking advantage of the right to speak, the
applicant’s representative noted the following main points:-
·
It was a minor variation of its existing use
·
An appropriate location, with the building insulated to a high standard
·
No noise impact
·
Only daytime working hours, 6 days per week
·
Contributed towards Gwynedd's challenging waste management targets
·
Evidence to show that the application was valid
·
Employment for 11 people initially
·
The location complied with regional policies and guidance
·
The site already had planning permission for a warehouse and distribution
centre
(d)
The following points were made by the local member (not a member of this
Planning Committee):-
·
The site had been empty for a long time
·
Concerns raised by local people included health and safety issues, dust and
air quality, noise impact from the work and traffic noise
·
If applications were made for further additions or expansion, that a
specific planning application must be submitted
·
Need to ensure regular monitoring in the context of the work undertaken on
the site, and to monitor fire safety
·
Will the water on the site be stored? Will there be water flowing out? Need
for clarity.
·
The working hours needed to correspond to hours of the delivery and
reception of materials
(dd) Proposed and seconded – to approve
the application.
(e)
The following observations were noted in favour of the recommendation
·
Although the concerns of Porthmadog Town Council
and the local community were recognised, conditions had been set to address
them
·
The building had no chimney and the work was enclosed, so there would be no
likely noise
·
Supportive of an enterprise to avoid landfill
·
Local employment opportunities
(f) The
observation regarding working hours and to ensure that the conditions were in
accordance with the late observations received were accepted
RESOLVED to
delegate powers to the Senior Planning Manager to approve the application,
subject to the expiry of the consultation period and the following
conditions:-
Supporting documents: