Issue - meetings

That the Committee notes the progress made to review the HRC provision and requests a full report on the preferred location and individual site layouts to be provided to the October Committee meeting.

Councillor Kevin Jones presented a report to update the Committee on progress made in the future provision of Household Recycling Centre (HRC) sites following discussion at the meeting in May 2016.  He reminded Members of the background to the issue and advised that the Welsh Government (WG) had confirmed its intention to commit funding to develop the current facilities in Nercwys and Buckley.  A further bid for the potential provision of a new facility in Flint/Connah’s Quay would be presented later in the year to WG who had given tentative agreement subject to determination of a location and profile.  Amongst the criteria set by WG was the target to achieve 90% recycling at all the facilities, which would require a programme of education to the public.  Provisional drawings being prepared for the sites in Nercwys and Buckley would require support from the Town and Community Councils and local Members prior to the planning application stage.

In respect of the proposed single facility in Flint/Connah’s Quay, early discussions had commenced on a particular site and once agreed, would be subject to consultation with the Town Councils and local Members.  In the interim, operations would continue with the potential to extend the current arrangement with Flintshire Refurbs to undertake all bulk waste collections.  Plans for each site would be shared with the respective Town/Community Councils as well as through the Committee and via the planning process.  It was noted that each site would close separately to allow for the necessary work.  In conclusion, Councillor Jones hoped that the Committee and the public would support these outcomes which demonstrated that the concerns and views expressed had been heard and acted upon.

The Chief Executive advised that there would be no further proposed reduction in the HRC core budget with the objective being to make savings from reduced landfill charges through improved recycling rates.

The Chairman and Members of the Committee spoke in support of the positive outcomes achieved through the significant efforts of Councillor Jones as Cabinet Member.  Councillor Mike Peers commented on the contribution of the Committee and the need for all Members to do their best to encourage use of the HRC sites in order to achieve the targets.  Councillor Jones thanked the officers involved for their input in reaching this position.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee notes the progress made to review the HRC provision and requests a full report on the preferred location and individual site layouts to be provided to the October Committee meeting.