Agenda item

6.1  The chair welcomed Simon Bevan, interim Head of Planning and Transport to the meeting and explained that the sub-committee was interested to learn how the council could design recycling into new developments and regeneration projects, increase recycling in blocks of flats and how planning policy could support this.

6.2  The interim Head of Planning and Transport referred to the background note distributed with the papers for the meeting, and explained that more detail on sustainable design was contained in the SPD and that planning officers were becoming more skilled and ensuring appropriate recycling storage was included in the plans for new developments.

6.3  He went on to explain that the planning policy met the current expectations of the recycling division of Environment and Housing.

6.4  The chair asked if there were any radical “game changing” plans. It was reported that in the medium term it was envisaged that the borough would rely upon recycling brought to a particular point and collected in refuse waggons. There was little further innovation designed in by developers.

6.5  Members of the sub-committee referred to the Envac project and asked that the interim Head of Planning and Transport look into the costs of retro-fitting that type of collection facility into housing developments in terms of cost per housing unit. In the longer terms it was felt that this type of initiative could save money because the collection costs would be minimal. This type of project would also have the advantage of reducing emissions.

6.6  Councillor Chopra suggested that all developments with more than a certain number of floors should have recycling chutes. If they did not there should be a charge placed upon the developer. He suggested that it should be made a planning requirement within developments and within housing.

6.7  Members enquired whether recycling featured in the area action plans. The interim Head of Planning and Transport explained that there was currently not much detail in the area action plans.

RESOLVED:

That the interim Head of Planning and Transport be asked to look at the Envac project and the cost of retro-fitting this type of facility into urban developments in the borough