Executive Summary
The consultation on the draft Scottish Planning Policy ( SPP) on Planning for Waste Management was issued in August 2006 and attracted 55 responses (Local Authorities and Joint Plan Teams 28; National Agency/Organisation 11; Waste/Energy Businesses 6; Community 3; Consultants 3; Individual 2; Environmental Group 1).
A main theme emerging through the responses received was that greater focus was required to be given to non-municipal waste throughout the SPP.
Waste management within the policy context was welcomed, however many respondents felt that further detail was required on the integration with the new Planning Bill, in particular interaction between the National Waste Strategy and National Planning Framework and translation through the development plan.
There was widespread support for the distinction of the role of planning authorities from SEPA, however this needed to be simplified and made clearer throughout the SPP.
Many respondents commented on sustainable waste management, in particular on the proximity principle, proximity to settlements and the issue of buffer zones. Overall there was general agreement over the impact that these options might have and that buffer zones should not necessarily be a set distance but be more flexible to the local context.
Working with communities was supported by many of the respondents, however communities were concerned about the use of good neighbour agreements and on long-term enforcement issues in general, particularly the availability of resources to deliver. This too was reflected by local authorities.
Comments were invited on the model policy; respondents in general welcomed the model policy however many questioned the policy principles. There was a common theme emerging from all sectors questioning the suitability of Class 4 business land for waste management facilities.
Many respondents were in support of the principles of assessing development proposals with only specific clarification sought on more technical issues.
Overall analysis of the responses outlined that there is widespread support across all sectors for SPP10 and the broad principles that it contains. A greater focus on non-municipal waste, broader flexibility of the policies to take into account contradictory views and local circumstances and further detail on technical matters are the key issues arising from respondents.