5.6 Linking to Land Use Planning

5.6.1 Need for Positive Planning

It is clear that in planning to meet the landfill diversion targets, new infrastructure will be required in the coming years. Development planning – Structure and Local Plans – has an important role to play in this by planning positively for the necessary waste management infrastructure needed to implement the AWP. It will assist in ensuring that there is an integrated network of waste management facilities in Tayside, which meet the objectives of the AWP. Planning authorities when considering development proposals will ensure they are fully assessed against the AWP and accord with the chosen strategy. The planning system will also assist in ensuring that protection is given to the natural, built and historic environment and assist in moving towards a more sustainable form of development.

5.6.2 Context for Development Planning

The following publications will be used to assist in the development of Structure and Local Plan policies and when considering planning applications for waste management or treatment facilities in Tayside:

• NPPG 10, Planning and Waste Management sets out the role and responsibility of planning authorities in developing policy and identifying sites for waste management facilities. ‘Planning authorities have a duty to provide policies for suitable waste disposal sites or installations in order to supply the land necessary for waste treatment and disposal to take place.’ (page 6, para 2)
  

• PAN 63, Waste Management Planning provides best practice on a range of issues associated with waste management facilities and encourages a more proactive approach to waste management policy in development plans, and
  

• Tayside AWP is a material consideration for the land use planning system. As far as is practicable the AWP provides a clear framework for the development of waste management facilities to meet landfill diversion targets together with indicative infrastructure requirements to be incorporated into development plan policy as soon as is practicable.

Development Plan in Tayside
The Tayside Waste Strategy Area is currently covered by the Tayside Structure Plan 1993 (approved March 1997) although it will be replaced by separate Structure Plans for the Dundee and Angus area and Perth & Kinross area in the near future. Both documents have been finalised and submitted to Scottish Ministers and are awaiting final approval. The Tayside Structure Plan provides the framework for the adopted area wide Local Plans covering Dundee City (1997) and Angus (2000), together with six covering Perth & Kinross. Local plan reviews are now underway in Angus, Dundee and Perth & Kinross and these new plans will incorporate the guidance contained in the round of ‘new’ Structure Plans in due course and the Tayside AWP. This will include policies to ensure that new developments minimise the generation of waste and that necessary infrastructure (e.g. recycling points) are built into the design process for large scale housing and commercial developments. Where appropriate, WSAG members will work together to consider the need for waste management facilities on a regional basis.

Technical Support
SEPA has agreed subject to available resources, that it will provide expert technical assistance to planning authorities in defining the technologies that accord with the MSW BPEO decision (and future BPEO decisions). This could include commenting on the degree to which planning applications accord with the AWP, reviewing life-cycle assessment models where necessary and offering to appear as expert witnesses at public inquiries as required. Further assistance in the interpretation of the Landfill Directive and calculation of remaining landfill capacities, including the provision of waste data will also be provided where required. SEPA will also provide technical assistance in identifying and assessing the suitability of sites or areas of search for landfill.

Action 21
The objectives, targets and facilities required to implement the AWP will be taken fully into account in the development of Structure and Local Plan policy.

Action 22
Development Plans will ensure that forward supply of landfill will be available in the Tayside area for inert and non-hazardous wastes arising in Tayside. Consideration will also be given to other infrastructure needs to divert material from landfill when these have been determined.