New plan for Shanks
Shanks Waste Management Ltd have submitted a planning application for the development of a mechanical biological treatment plant to treat domestic waste from Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and surrounding areas. The proposed facility will occupy part of the former Rechem site at the southern end of the Pontyfelin Industrial Estate.
The proposed plant will treat residual domestic waste (waste that remains after kerbside recycling). These are requirements of European Law, specifically the Landfill Directive. Torfaen’s area waste plan identifies these types of facility as being necessary to meet its future waste targets. Shanks have built and now operate these facilities in East London and Dumfries. The treatment involves biologically, drying the waste, removing any odour, and sanitising it so that the dried residual material can be further mechanically separated for recycling. The resulting outputs are recyclables (i.e. metals, glass and aggregates) and solid recovered fuel. It is proposed that all the recycled and recovered materials are sent for use off site.
The planning application is accompanied by an Environmental Statement which includes assessments of flood consequences, ground conditions, human health risk and ecological risk. A non-technical summary has also been provided.
A copy of the application ref no. 07/P/14880(E) is available for inspection during normal office hours at County Hall, Cwmbran. It can be viewed at www.torfaen.gov.uk. Click on ‘Living’ and then ‘Planning Register’.
Public exhibitions are being held on 14/15 March at Panteg House, Griffithstown (2pm-6pm) and then on 26/27 March at Panteg Hall, New Inn (2pm-8pm).
Any comments must be submitted by 6 April. For more information call Norman Jones, Planning Officer, on 01633 648403.