Lib Dems Push For Powers to Control Development Waste

1.02.29pm GMT Fri 17th Feb 2006

New Recycling Banks Were Also Amongst Initiatives the Lib Dems Want To See For New Developments

Pressure from Lib Dems has pushed the council into giving a more positive commitment to force developers to work to reduce the amount of waste generated in the borough.

This follows a consultation exercise on a supplementary planning document issued by the County Council. The initial response from the Mayor just threw problems in the way but following pressure from Liberal Democrats, including a question and statement to Mayor Branston and his Cabinet, there is renewed support for the action. Bedford Borough Council is now working with the County Council to ensure all new developments include waste audits to minimise the amount of waste generated and provide facilities for recycling.

Speaking following the Cabinet Meeting Lib Dem Group Leader, Michael Headley, commented:

"The Council must ensure it is doing everything within its power to control the build up of waste in the borough. With over 90 million tonnes of waste produced by the construction and demolition industry nationally it's essential they play their part in our drive towards increasing sustainabity. I challenged the Mayor over this issue because a more positive approach was needed to ensure that we used our powers to make these waste audits a requirement on new developments. These powers will also make sure that new developments include recycling banks and space for household waste and recycling."

ENDS