Agenda item

1113/APP/2011/1020

Detached storage building to be used for the processing and storage of bio fuel and compost

Recommendation: Refusal

Detached storage building to be used for the processing and storage of bio fuel and compost

1113/APP/2011/1020

The  application  related  to  the  construction  of  a  detached  storage  building  within  the curtilage of an existing waste facility in the Green Belt. It was stated that this building would be used for the processing and storage of bio fuel and compost. As the site was located in the Green Belt and waste facilities were not one of the essential uses of land and buildings which  were  specified  as  acceptable,  this  building  and  its  intended  use  was  considered inappropriate development within the Green Belt and no very special circumstances had been put forward by the applicant.

No details had been supplied to show that the site is suitable for the proposal in terms of its  proximity  to  the  source  of  waste;  ability  to  use  transport  sources  other  than  road haulage; the nature of the proposed use and its scale; and the full transport impact of all collection and transfer movements and therefore fails to satisfy the criteria of Policy 5.17 of the London Plan 2011.

In accordance with the Council’s constitution a representative of the petition received in support to the proposal was invited to address the meeting.

Points raised by the petitioners:

·        Mr Butterworth spoke on behalf of the petitioners.

·        During discussions with the case worker the question of Green Belt was raised.

·        The petitioner asked the Committee to consider that the application was within the existing area of which it sympathised with.

·        The compost did not compromise the Green Belt.

·        The application would help to preserve the five jobs that existed already.

·        It would help in reducing noise, and protect machinery and staff.

·        There would be better compost to supply, and better fuels.

·        It would generate renewal energy.

·        They were not proposing to expand the site but the application was on the existing site which was used for processing and storage of bio fuel and compost.

·        The application was related to better products and to secure jobs.

Members asked for clarification on whether composting already existed on the site. Officer explained to Members that there was unauthorised use for composting on the site and since 2002 policies had been updated. There was an emphasis on locating these sites and improving them to comply with policy. Officers accepted the use already existed on the site but Members needed to consider if the Council allowed a new build for this usage.

Members felt they lacked sufficient evidence on whether it was justified or not. That the applicants had failed to justify to officers that this was appropriate use of Green Belt. Members agreed that it was up to the applicant to justify the usage. Members asked that this item be deferred to give the applicant an opportunity to provide this information.

The recommendation for a deferral for additional information and justification to be provided was moved, seconded and on being put to the vote was unanimously agreed.

Resolved –

That the application be deferred for additional information and justification to be provided.