Align planning system with Circular Economy

12th April 2017 | Recycling

UK waste and recycling trade body, The Environmental Services Association (ESA), has published a report. It sets out a number of recommendations to more closely align the planning system with the strategic objectives of the Circular Economy.

According to the organisation there is significant scope to improve the planning culture within many local authorities.  This will give the industry the flexibility it needs to adapt to the new, sustainable business models shaped by the Circular Economy.

Planning for a Circular Economy

The report ”Planning for a Circular Economy”, outlines key aspects of the planning regime which can often frustrate the industry’s efforts towards this aim. Jacob Hayler, executive director of ESA, said that it is vital for the UK’s future competitiveness that we move towards a Circular Economy. This is where manufacturers, retailers, businesses of all kinds, consumers and the waste and recycling industry work together.  This will ensure that products and materials are made and used efficiently and then wherever possible reused of recycled for future use.

The report concluded that

  • A more integrated approach to waste and energy policy should include robust policies to support the UK’s transition to a largely decarbonised heat sector
  • Planning authorities should seek to engage developers on draft conditions prior to submission to planning committee
  • Waste management facilities should process recyclable material to produce secondary resources
  • A shift in planning should aim to help planners out of the strict control regime of the landfill era
  • Energy from waste and landfill both have a role to lay in realising the Circular Economy
  • Sensible development on closed landfill sites should be supported where appropriate
  • Policies designed to encourage housing supply should be sympathetic to the requirements of operational waste management development

“Many local authorities need to let go of the strict control culture that has prevailed in one form or another since the “landfill era” and instead adopt a more responsive approach to planning for waste management which better recognises the variable and dynamic nature of the space in which our industry now operates,” explained ESA’s Policy Advisor, Stephen Freeland.

More information available on the website below

https://waste-management-world.com/a/align-planning-system-with-circular-economy-aims-urges-esa

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