Policy W3 – Waste disposal

Planning permission will be granted for the development of landfill or land raising facilities for the disposal of waste where: a. There is a need for the facility as established through the WMS and the relevant WMP; and b. The proposed facility complies with all of the following criteria: 1. It will not result in an unacceptable adverse environmental impact that cannot be prevented or appropriately controlled by mitigating measures (see policy W1); 2. Significant mineral reserves are not sterilised; 3. It is suitably located within an active or worked out hard rock quarry or it brings land that is despoiled, derelict or contaminated back into productive use; 4. In the case of a regional scale landfill or land raising site, its location closely relates to and allows for easy access to key transport corridors and, where practicable make use of the alternative transport modes of rail and water; and 5. Detailed measures are included for the appropriate restoration and aftercare of sites that will help to enhance bio-diversity. In line with the WMS, prior to the establishment of an integrated network of waste management facilities, planning permission will be granted for the development of interim landfill or land raising facilities for the disposal of waste where the criteria under (b) are met and where the proposed facility: c. Provides essential interim capacity; d. Is likely to form part of a co-ordinated regional or sub-regional network; and e. As far as possible does not lead to an increase in the number of active landfill sites.