TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
Energy from Waste Project -
Outline Planning Permission Submission
Purpose of the Report
The report is to seek approval for the submission of an application for Outline Planning Permission for an Energy from Waste facility.
Background
The States approved the Solid Waste Strategy on 13th July 2005. As a result of the approval, TTS are required to investigate technologies for the final disposal of residual waste and to recommend a preferred solution for replacement of the Bellozanne incinerator. This solution should include an accompanying environmental and health impact assessment. On 28th June 2006, the States further agreed that any such technologies should be located at La Collette II reclamation site, immediately to the south of the Jersey Electricity Company Power Station. Officers have been progressing the assessment and feasibility works for the La Collette II site and have progressed the related procurement process to the point where a tender short-list of four companies has been developed. The proposed application is for outline planning permission for an Energy from Waste facility at La Collette able to accommodate the technologies on the associated tender short-list.
Discussion
The Outline Planning Application is for an Energy from Waste facility and a Bulky Waste Facility which will treat bulky commercial waste in preparation for disposal within the Energy from Waste Facility. The current facility is now out of date, expensive to maintain and operate and does not meet modern environmental standards.
An outline planning permission is required to define the planning constraints under which the Energy from Waste facility will be required to operate. These constraints can then be communicated to companies tendering for the associated contract to deliver the Energy from Waste facility to ensure that these constraints are incorporated within their bids and to reassure them of the commitment by the States to the replacement of the current facility.
The application for Outline Planning Permission includes an Environmental Impact Statement which results from the assessment of all significant environmental impacts associated with the proposed plant (as limited by the four technologies still being considered).
The Environmental Impact Statement concludes that there are no unacceptable environmental impacts that would arise from the proposed facility and there would be considerable improvements in air quality. As part of the statutory consultation on the proposed Outline Planning Application a Health Impact Assessment would be conducted by the Public Health Department.
The Environmental Impact Statement has been drawn up in consultation with Officers from all relevant States Departments.
A Consultation Plan has been prepared to make the community aware of the content of the Outline Planning Application and to give an opportunity for stakeholders to review and challenge the proposal.
The intention is to submit the planning application on 9th January 2007. The statutory consultation period for a planning application is 8 weeks. However, the scale of the application and the requirement for an Health Impact Assessment means that this may be subject to change. If Outline Planning Permission is granted in February, it is proposed that tenders will be issued in March and bids received in July 2007. A detailed planning application will then be submitted which will be the subject of a detailed Health Impact Assessment. If detailed Planning Permission is granted, States approval for the award of contract will be sought in the Autumn of 2007.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve the submission of the Outline Planning Application for the Energy from Waste facility and the implementation of the associated Communications Plan.
Reasons(s) for Decision
1. A replacement for the Current Bellozanne Incinerator is required urgently
2. The proposed application is in line with the requirements of the Solid Waste Strategy (2005) and States approval of 13th July 2005.
3. The proposed application is required to enable tenders to be issued for the Energy from Waste Facility.
4. The application includes a full Environmental Impact Statement and all other requirements identified by the Planning Department.
5. The proposed application has been developed in consultation with all relevant States Departments and with the Waste Strategy Steering Group.
6. Following application submission an extensive consultation plan will be implemented.
Action Required
1. Instruct Officers to submit the outline planning permission and implement the associated consultation plan.
Written by: | Will Gardiner - Director - Waste Strategy Projects |
Approved by: | John Richardson - Chief Officer - TTS |
WRG/39/8/1
15/12/2006