Planning Inquiries 

Our Project Directors are often involved in major Planning Inquiries, and 2002 proved no exception.

Transfer Station, Hastings

In July, Patrick Scott, Project Director at Lyndhurst, gave evidence on waste management issues at an Inquiry concerning a waste transfer station in Hastings deemed to be “unauthorised EIA development”.  Stephen Tromans and Christiaan Zwart of Counsel acted for the appellant, MDJ Light Bros, and called four other witnesses covering highways, landscape, policy and ecological issues.  Mastering the long and complex planning and enforcement history of the site was a formidable challenge, but crucial to the appellant’s case.  A decision is expected in 2003.

Waste to Energy Plant, Hull

Before joining RLCL, Elizabeth Simmons was the Project Director for WRG’s planning application and full EIA for permission to build a waste to energy incinerator at Foster Street, Hull. Elizabeth’s involvement in the project resulted in WRG continuing to retain her to manage the planning process after she joined RLCL. 

The proposed scheme is a 165,000 tonnes per year facility, treating 150,000 tonnes per year to generate electricity exported to the National Grid. 

The proposal generated significant local opposition and Hull planning committee refused permission against officer recommendation. WRG appealed that decision and the Public Inquiry was held in Hull for 4 weeks during August. The Council fielded 2 witnesses and WRG provided 7 witnesses to address the three Reasons for Refusal and issues of concern raised by third party objectors. The first Reason for Refusal was that the applicant had not demonstrated that the plant represented the Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO), and Elizabeth’s evidence addressed this. 

She undertook a full BPEO and need assessment, supported by WISARD life cycle assessment (subcontracted to SLR Consulting), comparing WRG’s contracted option with an option based upon a larger WtE plant and a recycling led option. The BPEO assessment followed the seven steps recommended in Waste Strategy 2000. The Secretary of State’s decision is expected early in 2003.

Artists impression : Hull Waste to Energy Plant

The Triangle Landfill Scheme, Hampshire

In November, Ben Arnold, also a Project Director at Lyndhurst, gave evidence on waste management issues on behalf of Viridor Waste Management in connection with the refusal of planning permission for mineral extraction and landfill at The Triangle - a development readers may recall from previous issues of the Annual Review.  Ben has been closely involved with the project from its earliest days and is playing a central rôle in developing the case with Mick Oliver, Viridor’s planning manager, and Neil King of Counsel. 

All these projects help to keep our Project Directors up-to-date with the Inquiry scene and exercise their skills under cross-examination, which can range from a gentle grilling to a lengthy roasting!