Agenda item

An application for the construction and operation of a soil treatment facility for the processing and recycling of imported contaminated soils through bioremediation; including ancillary infrastructure and associated works on some 1.75ha.

This application hadn’t reached the minimum number of objectors for it to be determined by the Committee.  However, a request has been made by Robert Evans, as the local Member, for Planning & Regulatory Committee to determine the application.

The recommendation is to PERMIT subject to conditions.

Declarations of Interest:

None.

Officers:

Alan Stones, Planning & Development Control Team Manager

Stephen Jenkins, Deputy Planning Development Manager

Caroline Smith, Transport Development Planning Team Manager

Nancy El-Shatoury, Principal Solicitor

Speakers:

Robert Evans, the Local Member, made the following points:

·         Informed the Committee that Stanwell Moor is located approximately 100metres from Heathrow airport, the application proposal would be close to the centre of the village.

·         It was noted that residents were anxious about implications of the proposed plans.

·         Told the Committee that the application would see 75,000 tonnes of contaminated soil per year stored in 3metre high bio piles.

·         Noted that there objections to the application had been received from local groups.

·         Informed the Committee that the area sat within the Metropolitan Green Belt, building in this area was considered inappropriate unless very special circumstances existed to justify the plans.

Key points raised during the discussion:

1.    The Deputy Planning Development Officer introduced the report and informed the Committee that the site lies to the south west of Heathrow, access to the site was via Junction 14 interchange of the M25.  The recycling compound was granted permission in 2008; the new proposal for soil treatment was to occupy the north corner of the existing recycling compound.  It was added that there would be no increase in HGV vehicle movements to the site and the proposal fits into the existing compound.  Restoration would be completed by 2023.

2.    The Committee were informed that the soil the site would be receiving contained low level hydrocarbons and had been polluted by fuels, this was not toxic but meant soil could not be used for restoration until it had been cleaned.  The method for cleaning was an established process, the soil would be turned frequently to break down contaminants while being regularly tested; exposure to air would remove pollutants.  It was added that the soil would be acceptable for restoration after around 12-16 weeks of implementing the procedure.

3.    The Committee were informed that an objection had been received from Spelthorne Borough Council unless certain matters were satisfactorily addressed, these included HGV movements. It was responded that there would be no increase in HGV movements.  It was noted to Members that no objections had been received from technical consultees, with an Update Sheet noting that there were no objections from Thames Water, Natural England and the County Ecologist.  Three objections had been received from local groups.

4.    Other matters raised by Spelthorne Borough Council included; dust, surface water mitigation and wheel washing facilities to minimise damage to surrounding highways.  Officers responded that surface water was covered under the permitting regime as well as dust management, it was added that the County Air Quality Consultant and Environment Agency (EA) were content with the plans in place.  The site would utilise the existing wheel washing facilities and all HGV’s transporting waste would be covered.

5.    The Committee was informed that the only aspect of the site changing was the recycling activity and type of recycling material, hours of operation and the size of the site would not change.

6.    Officers noted that the proposed proximity of the soil treatment away from the housing, which was in excess of 250 metres was deemed sufficient by the EA.

7.    The Committee was told that whilst the site would receive waste from the adjacent London borough, it would also benefit Surrey due to its transport links (M25), as such the site is well located to receive such waste and there was a need for further commercial waste recycling,

Resolved:

·         It was agreed to PERMIT subject to conditions for the reasons set out in the report

Action/further information to be provided:

None.

Ian Beardsmore left the room at 11.33am