Archived decisions

REPORT OF THE

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

SPATIAL STRATEGY

PART II

RESPONSE TO THE SOUTH EAST ENGLAND REGIONAL ASSEMBLY (SEERA) - REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY - PROPOSED ALTERATIONS

The County Council commented on the consultation draft of the Regional Waste Management Strategy in June 2003. The consultation process resulted in 1,746 representations, 37 of which were from local authorities, and indicated that there was a high level of support for the Strategy based on the approach of 60% recycling and 25% energy recovery. Although the Strategy's recycling targets were seen as necessary, they were thought to be ambitious, with energy from waste (including incineration) being viewed in relatively positive terms. Landfill was considered as the last resort in the waste chain. A specific survey of public opinion conducted by MORI as a supplement to the consultation process showed widespread support for recycling (96%) and composting (84%). The consultation process also highlighted that the majority of people think that responsibility for the reduction of waste lies firstly with companies, secondly with supermarkets and thirdly with Government and a recognition that consumers as well as authorities have a part to play.

In March 2004 a further document was published "Proposed Alterations to Regional Planning Guidance, South East - Regional Waste Management Strategy" which is part of a group of reviews regarding transport, renewable energy, tourism, minerals (see separate report) and waste. This particular Strategy covers the period up to 2016 but does also look further into the future. The broad thrust of the Strategy has remained largely unchanged since the consultation exercise, however one of the County Council's main concerns was that inadequate recovery provision in London could lead to continued export of waste for landfill within Hampshire and generate pressure for the provision of additional incineration capacity. Having given due consideration to the proposed alterations and the detailed comments, as stated in sections 8 and 9 respectively of the Executive Member report and in support of Aim 2 of the Corporate Strategy (Stewardship of the environment), the following decisions which were made on 11 May 2004:

(i) That the South East England Regional Assembly be informed of the County

Council's views on the Proposed Alternations to Regional Planning Guidance, South East - Regional Waste Management Strategy, that:


(a) With the exception of the issue stated in (b) below, Hampshire is generally content with the Strategy and broadly supports the amendments which have been made as a result of the consultation process;

(b) Hampshire objects to the Proposed Alterations because the issue of how waste exported from London will be managed has not been addressed on a sub-regional basis;

(c) SEERA considers the allocation of quotas between different Waste Authorities is considered to be impossible on technical and political grounds, therefore Policy W3 of the Strategy should be amended to set out the criteria by which London's exported waste will be apportioned in the future. The policy should make reference to the proximity principle, and the transportation of waste by rail or water where possible; and

(d) the detailed comments made in section 9 of this report be considered by the Regional Assembly.

(ii) That the South East England Development Agency be informed of the County Council's response.