Comment

Representation ID: 763

Received: 30/03/2022

Respondent: Mansfield District Council

Strategic Policy 4 – Residual waste management: The draft waste local plan explains that there is likely to be a need for further landfill capacity from 2024 onwards. However it is understood that the scope to provide capacity in the plan area is extremely unlikely due to the geology of the area, and that residual waste (remaining waste that cannot be reused) may need to be transported to the nearest available site outside of the plan area.
Despite this, Policy SP4 would be used to control any new development proposals seeking to dispose of residual waste that come forward. This includes the recovery of inert waste used for restoration of mineral workings, landfill, and landraise sites, as well as the disposal of non-hazardous and hazardous waste to landfill. Part c of the policy states that in all cases, the resulting final landform, landscaping and after-uses must be designed to take account of and, where appropriate, enhance the surrounding landscape, topography and natural environment. It is questioned why the phrase “where appropriate” is required rather than the policy seeking enhancements in all cases. This seems to contradict paragraph 8.57 which later on in the document states how waste facilities, particularly disposal sites which require restoration, can enhance biodiversity and should be restored to high environmental standards. Paragraph 8.58 goes on to say that such opportunities should be maximised and biodiversity net gains achieved where possible.