Neighbourhoods Cabinet Member – Minutes – 3 November 2015

24 (24) REVIEW OF THE ACCESS PERMIT SYSTEM FOR HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING CENTRES – The Director of Places submitted a report seeking to review the proposed changes to the Household Recycling Centres (HRC) access permit system due to take effect on 1 January 2016.

The council approved changes to access arrangements to Household Recycling Centre (HRC) sites for commercial type vehicles and large trailers in January 2014 (minute 99 refers). The implementation of these changes was delayed. They were now scheduled to take effect from 1 January 2016.

The main changes planned were:

• The removal of unlimited access to HRC sites with a permit for commercial type vehicles, replaced with a 12 visit limit per year.
• The introduction of a permit requirement for large trailers.
• A reduction in the gross vehicle weight of any permitted vehicle from 3.5tns to 3.0tns.
• The inclusion of pickups and crew cabs into the definition used by the council for “commercial type vehicles”.
• The introduction of a house clearing permit to aid with house clearances.

The changes were proposed as a result of the noticeable increase in suspected illegal disposal of commercial waste through the HRC site network.

Elected representatives reported numerous representations from residents expressing concerns at the changes proposed. As a result, officers were asked to undertake a review of the proposals including the introduction of a 12 visit limit per year.

Resolved – (a) That the proposal to retain aspects of the current arrangements, including allowing unlimited access, whilst introducing a permit scheme, as detailed in the report, be approved, and (b) that the introduction of robust enforcement action against individuals found to be disposing of commercial waste illegally, contrary to declarations made on any permit application, be supported.