Creation of Inert Waste Transfer Station

Town Planning and SAB Services for the Creation of an Inert Waste Transfer Station

Client: Plant Hire Company

Service Provided: Town Planning and Sustainable Urban Drainage (SAB)

Project Summary

Technia Environment and Planning Limited provided planning and SAB consultancy services for a plant hire company based in South Wales following their acquisition of a new depot. The project involved the development of an Inert Waste Transfer Station to support the recovery and reuse of aggregates from construction and demolition waste.

This type of development often faces heightened environmental and public scrutiny. Our role was critical in navigating the planning process and addressing both technical constraints and public concerns.

Our Approach

We employed a strategic, stakeholder‑led approach to navigate the regulatory, environmental, and community challenges:

• Early Contextual Assessment: We mapped flood zones, ecological receptors and residential proximity to understand constraints straight away.
• Policy‐Driven Engagement: Initiated pre‑application discussions with regulators, neighbours and statutory consultees to set expectations and influence design early.
• Iterative Design Strategy: Adjusted site layout, equipment location and operations to avoid environmental impacts, reduce noise and maintain separation from sensitive areas.
• Transparent Community Communication: Held public engagement site visits, addressing concerns openly and incorporating mitigation measures into the design.
• Regulatory Alignment: Integrated SAB‐compliant drainage design, ecological safeguards and technical documentation to ensure the application met policy and permit requirements.

Key Challenges & Solutions

1. Proximity to Ecologically Sensitive and Protected Area

   Challenge: The site is located adjacent to a locally designated ecological river, requiring careful design to prevent ecological disruption during construction and operation of the site.

   Solution: We prepared a suite of supporting documents, including a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan (LEMP), Lighting Plan, Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and Dust Management Plan (DMP). These ensured compliance with ecological guidance and protected species, while demonstrating that a dark corridor along the site’s boundary can be maintained for on-site bat populations.

2. Proximity to Ecologically Sensitive and Protected Area

   Challenge: Residential properties located within a 350m radius of the site, to the north east required careful design and operational consideration.

   Solution: We worked closely with noise consultants to carry out a comprehensive noise assessment and developed mitigation measures including the use of acoustic barriers and careful design considerations through the strategic positioning of operations and equipment for the site design. Ensuring that no loud emitters of noise were located within an audible radius of residential properties located to the north east of the site and the proposal of effective noise mitigation measures.

3. Flood Risk

   Challenge: The site lies partially within a C2 Flood Zone, triggering flood risk concerns that needed careful consideration and addressing.

   Solution: The site layout was carefully designed to ensure development occurred outside flood-prone areas. Additionally, a Flood Consequence Assessment was undertaken and submitted in support of the development.

4. Public Perception and Community Objections

   Challenge: The planning application attracted significant negative perceptions and objections from local residents.

   Solution: Technia Environment and Planning Limited undertook an extensive Pre-Application Consultation exercise with local residents and representatives. Additionally, site visits were arranged with the nearby fishing club to explain the operational practices, access arrangements and environmental safeguards proposed.

   Throughout the planning process, independent reports and additional documents were commissioned and produced to answer any queries and concerns raised by local residents, displaying that there would be no adverse impact as a result of the development.

Outcome

The planning application was unanimously approved at Planning Committee in December 2023. Work is now underway to secure the SAB approval, enabling the facility to move forward to construction.

Seeking to Develop an Inert Waste Transfer Station?

We support operators in delivering compliant, well-designed inert waste facilities, even on constrained sites. From planning to SAB, we help you manage flood risk, ecology and community objections with confidence.

Contact us to discuss how we can support your inert waste or aggregate recovery project.