Issue - meetings

Kate Hobson, Project Development and Delivery Manager, introduced the report

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Appleyard asked about the plans for the volume of vehicles likely at the recycling hub. The officer explained that a sustainable staff travel plan was a condition of the planning permission.

In response to a question from Councillor Appleyard, the officer explained that there would be solar panels on as much of the roof space as possible.

Councillor Appleyard asked about the potential for a mini hub on the East side of Bath. The officer explained that much work has gone into finding sites in Bath and the Oddown area is the most deliverable site.

Councillor May asked if the black bags taken to Avonmouth would be reduced. The officer explained that if there is increased recycling – this would usually come from black bags but there will still be unrecyclable materials. She explained that there will not be a treatment plant at Pixash Lane. The officer confirmed that Midland Road Recycling Centre would not be shutting.

Councillor May asked about the possibility of electric dustcarts. The officer explained that the technology is developing.

Councillor Johnson stated that it was a fantastic project. He asked about reduction to landfill and if this has led to a higher level of waste being recovered ie incinerated. He asked if there should be targets to increase recycling as the next step to reduce waste going to recovery and stated that this project should support that move. The officer explained that a Waste Strategy report will be published soon which will contain targets.

Councillor Johnson asked about the look of recycling banks in the Heritage setting. The officer explained that the visual impact is part of the consideration. The officer stated that she would get back to Councillor Johnson about HHO systems. She explained that Pixash Lane was being future proofed with appropriate ducting and charging points.

Councillor Malloy stated that she was pleased to see that recycling for plastic wrappers and film was being investigated. She asked if community engagement with schools was carried out. The officer explained that this was organised by the Waste Strategy team. She added that when a new service, such as films and wrapper recycling, was introduced, there would be a public campaign.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the report.