CIWM welcomes NPPF but uncertainty remains around waste planning

28 March 2012

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has welcomed the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework  (NPPF) today and supports the Government's aim of simplifying planning, stimulating economic growth and reinforcing the importance of local decision making. However, it still has serious concerns about the impact of the current reforms on waste planning.

"Given the emphasis on sustainable development, CIWM would have liked to have seen waste infrastructure acknowledged as a strategic priority with a critical role to play in delivering a sustainable future," says CIWM chief executive Steve Lee. "However, we are pleased to see that the final NPPF does provide some additional detail on what is meant by 'sustainable development', and emphasises that economic, social and environmental objectives are 'mutually dependent'."

"Continued uncertainty with regard to waste planning is still an issue, however. In spite of some welcome clarification in the NPPF regarding transitional arrangements, including the 12 month grace period which means that many existing Local Plans and policies remain effective, confirmation from Defra today that the National Waste Management Plan could be delayed until end of 2013 is a serious concern. In the meantime, the NPPF is a now material consideration and the Waste Planning Policy Statement (PPS10) will remain in force but it is difficult to predict whether this will provide enough certainty to enable essential waste infrastructure to be successfully delivered."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 7000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues.