Residual waste bulking at North Powys Bulking Facility Abermule Business Park, Abermule

What was proposed

The application sought to use part of an existing building to store and bulk residual municipal waste before onward transfer.

“Proposal: Use of part of the existing building for the storage and bulking up of residual waste material…”

Officer report

The site and its history

The site is an operational recycling bulking facility at a business park, with nearby businesses, homes, woodland, highways and a railway line.

“Planning permission was granted on 2 August 2018 for a “Hybrid application comprising a full application for a proposed recycling bulking facility and associated works and an outline application for the erection of business units (B1/B2/B8) and all associated works” (application reference P/2018/0587) at Abermule Business Park.”

“Abermule is classified as large village within the LDP. Abermule Business Park is an allocated employment site (ref: P02 EA1) as indicated by Policy E1 of the adopted Powys Local Development Plan (2011-2026). LDP Policy E1 indicates that the Business Park is one of the allocated employment sites which is suitable for waste uses through Policy W1.”

Officer report

Main effects considered

Officers considered that controls and assessments would prevent unacceptable effects from noise, odour, pests, dust, air quality, traffic, ecology and flooding.

“- Odour The application is supported by an odour impact assessment and odour management plan which has been reviewed by the Council’s Environmental Protection department. The odour impact assessment considers impacts upon the closest receptors including residential properties and the adjoining commercial units.”

“- Air quality The site is not located within a designated Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). The above-mentioned Dust and Emissions Management Plan is considered sufficient to avoid unacceptable impacts upon air quality. The submission indicates that there would not be an increase in vehicle movements as a result of the proposal and as such any impacts upon air quality from vehicle emissions are not considered to be materially different than present.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The local representative, the community council chair and an objector spoke against the application, while a senior manager spoke for the Waste and Recycling Service.

Members’ discussion

Members asked about odour management and were advised that the assessments were within permitted limits.

“The Committee was advised that an additional representation had been received the previous evening and that the issues raised had been covered in the report.”

“Members asked about odour management on the site and were advised that odour assessments carried out were within permitted limits.”

Minutes

How members voted

A recorded vote was held, with members voting for, against or abstaining on the motion to approve the application.

“A request for a recorded vote was supported by a majority of members.”

“Cllr Tom Colbert Against Cllr Angela Davies For Cllr Deb Edwards For Cllr Fleur Franz-Morgans For Cllr Peter James For Cllr Adrian Jones For Cllr Ed Jones For Cllr Gareth D Jones Abstain Cllr Gareth E Jones For Cllr Corinna Kenyon-Wade For Cllr Karl Lewis Against Cllr Edwin Roderick For Cllr Elwyn Vaughan Against Cllr Huw Williams Abstain…”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The application was granted consent subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.

“RESOLVED: Reason for decision: that the application be granted consent, subject to the conditions set out in the report which is filed with the signed minutes.”

“As officer’s recommendation as set out in the report which is filed with the signed minutes.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The conditions covered approved plans, swift nest boxes, operating hours and the area used for residual waste storage.

“Notwithstanding the details submitted, within six months of the implementation of this permission, two Schwegler swift nest boxes (or similar make) shall be installed…”

“The application site as indicated by the red line on drawing no: 2395/P05/001 shall be the area used for the storage and bulking up of residual waste material.”

Officer report