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In response to some speculation in the local press regarding potential sites that may be suitable for waste management uses across the Merseyside and Halton sub-region, the Waste DPD wishes to provide some clarification to avoid any confusion with the public or with elected members.

The consultation process to be followed for the Waste DPD Spatial Strategy and Sites Report is currently going through the Councils approvals process.  It is only after the consultation process has been approved by the Councils and public consultation started that it is appropriate to discuss site specific information including suggested waste management uses. 

However, any sites identified within the Spatial Strategy and Sites Report for consultation are sites that have been identified as the best performing sites which may be suitable for waste management uses between now and 2025.  The majority of sites will be needed before 2015.  Whilst the Report does include suggested waste management uses for the best performing sites it does not promote any one technology over another. 

The purpose of the consultation process is to seek consultation responses on the suitability of the best performing sites from a wide variety of perspectives and also views on the most appropriate waste management uses.    

We are currently finalising the Spatial Strategy and Sites Report for an 8 week consultation starting in November 2008.  We are very keen to have a dialogue with the people and organisations of Merseyside and Halton to ensure that they have opportunity to comment on the emerging waste plan.   This consultation provides the opportunity to formally submit comments and it is during this period that the six Councils will also be able to submit their formal position on the sites and key issues in the Report.  

Anyone wishing to find out more about the upcoming consultation on the Spatial Strategy and Sites Report may be interested in attending one of our road shows. Please check the website in the next few days for information on the roadshow in your district.

In light of recent coverage in the local press regarding waste in the Merseyside and Halton sub region and the role the Waste DPD will play in the future arrangements of how we manage and dispose of our arisings, we wish to clarify the purpose of the Waste DPD, the role it will play in the future and the stage we are currently at.

What is the Waste DPD?
The Waste DPD will be the statutory long term land-use plan to guide decision making on planning applications for new waste management facilities up to 2025. It will identify the most suitable sites across the sub-region and allocate these sites for a waste use. In this way it will be able to direct the waste industry to the most suitable locations and importantly, help the Councils resist planning applications for waste facilities in the wrong locations. The Waste DPD will help deliver a policy framework to deliver a more sustainable future for Merseyside and Halton's waste management needs.

What waste are we talking about?
The Waste DPD is concerned will all the waste produced across the sub-region not just municipal solid waste which is just 16% of the overall waste produces. This includes construction, demolition and excavation waste (59% of total), commercial and industrial waste (22%), hazardous waste (3%) and other waste such as radioactive and agricultural waste (less than 1%).

How big is the challenge?
Currently the sub-region produces over 6 million tonnes of waste each year. This is predicted to increase to 7 million tonnes by 2020 even with improvements in recycling rates. A significant number of new modern facilities are needed to treat this waste and minimise the amount that is disposed of to landfill.

What is the status of the Waste DPD?

As a statutory planning document it should be adopted by all six Councils across the sub-region. The Waste DPD will then be used to make planning decisions on waste planning applications. Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service is co-ordinating the preparation of the Waste DPD for the six Councils of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

How have potential new waste sites been identified?
From an initial database of over 1500 sites located across the sub region we applied a methodology to identify the most suitable sites to locate new waste facilities. The method used 40 criteria covering a wide range of planning, environmental, social and infrastructure issues and yielded a database of site scores. The best performing sites where then subject to detailed consultation with the relevant Council, further technical assessments, site visits and where possible discussions with land owners. This list has been whittled down to 46 sites which currently are deemed most suitable for waste management facilities.

Does this mean that the 46 sites identified in the report will have waste facilities built on them?
No, the Waste DPD is still at a relatively early stage. Whilst the 46 sites are currently deemed the most suitable locations, further technical assessments and public consultation is needed. This is why the next stage of this process is to widely publicise the best performing sites and seek feedback through a structured consultation process. This is an essential part of the process and it is fully expected that this consultation will result in changes to the list.

Who would build and operate new facilities?
The majority of the new facilities would be owned and operated by the private sector and any new facilities would need to go through the usual process of gaining planning consent. However, there is a pressing need for new facilities to deal with municipal solid waste and the Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority is currently going through a procurement process in order to deliver new public sector facilities.

Do we know what type of facilities will be earmarked for each sites e.g. Incinerators?

No, not at this early stage although we have ruled out some waste management uses on some sites due to identified constraints e.g. proximity to housing. Discussion on the suitability of individual sites for particular facilities or specific technologies is premature at this early stage. However, future public consultations in 2009 will be more specific on this issue. Once the Waste DPD is adopted formally in 2010 it will be up to the waste industry to bring forward sites through the planning process.

When can I have my say?
The report in which these sites and further information on the emerging Waste DPD will be presented is called the Spatial Strategy and Sites Report. The Spatial Strategy and Sites report is currently in the first phase of a two stage approval process, whereby all six Councils approve the consultation of the report, not the technical content presented within it. The Councils, along with all other consultees, will provide their comments on the report during the consultation period which is currently programmed to start 17 November 2008.

How can I get involved and get more information?
In the lead up to and during the consultation of the Spatial Strategy and Sites Report, we will be holding a series of roadshows throughout Merseyside and Halton where we invite you to come along and learn more on the Waste DPD and have the opportunity to discuss it with our team. All information on the road shows will be posted on this website.

Alongside these events we will be advertising the consultation widely throughout the sub region. We will also ensure that copies of the Spatial Strategy and Sites Report as well as all supporting documents and the Non Technical Summary are available in all libraries and Council Offices and we will be publishing the report on this website giving you the opportunity to consult and comment on the report online.

Should you wish to attend the roadshows or sign up for the Spatial Strategy and Site Report consultation please email us at waste.dpd@sefton.gov.uk or give the team a call on 0151 934 2804.