Specific criteria are required for existing, expanded and new water recycling centres including supporting infrastructure which states that the principle of development is supported where proposals enable wider development requirements outlined in local plans, operational efficiency and protect and enhance the natural environment.

It should also support for the co-location of complementary waste management uses appropriate to the location.

For existing sites it is important that these are safeguarded from other potential non-waste uses e.g. housing to ensure that we can provide water recycling services on a continuous basis.

Any policy should also be written flexibly to allow for a change of circumstance. For example where a sewerage undertaker identifies a site is not required for its original purpose.