Landfill Sites (Hansard, 13 March 1991)

§ Mr. Dalyell
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on planning policy for developments carried out near landfill sites.

§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
[holding answer 11 March 1991]: Planning authorities should exercise due caution in granting planning permission for development or redevelopment on or near landfill sites. The Scottish Office proposes to issue advice on planning policy in relation to development near landfill sites as part of wider guidance reflecting the changes to waste disposal legislation which are included in part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

§ Mr. Dalyell
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to require planning authorities formally to consult waste disposal authorities on developments within 250 m of a landfill site.
613W

§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
[holding answer 11 March 1991]: Our recent consultation paper on the review of the General Development Order included a proposal that planning authorities should have to consult the relevant waste disposal authority when considering a planning application for a proposed development within 250 m of land which is used, or has been used, for the deposit of waste. This requirement will be included in the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Scotland) Order which we expect to lay before Parliament after the Easter recess.

§ Mr. Dalyell
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make regulations to prescribe regular tests to be carried out by local authorities on open and on completed landfill sites regarding(a) methane production, (b) possible methane migration, (c) toxic infill materials and (d) the stability of the fill.

§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
[holding answer 11 March 1991]: We have no plans to make regulations on these particular issues. Authoritative guidance covering these aspects of waste management has been issued already by the Government in the form of a series of waste management papers. It is for the regulatory authorities to ensure that such matters are taken into account when exercising their functions in relation to active and completed landfill sites.
When the relevant sections of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 are implemented, waste regulation authorities will have a duty to have regard to such guidance.