Decision details

Background:

A new HWRC facility to serve Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (T&M BC) and West Maidstone residents is required as the existing HWRC network in this area is at capacity.  The nearest facility is the Maidstone HWRC at Tovil which has reached its practical capacity; resulting in severe congestion on the local highway network around the site, causing delays to both visitors to the HWRC as well as local residents.  Measures to improve the efficiency of the site, including the increase of the Permitted tonnage (Environmental Permit) capacity have been investigated, and where possible implemented over the past few years.  However, demand has continued to grow, such that there are now no practicable solutions to make further efficiency improvements at this site.  Future housing growth / population increase indicates a significant increase in capacity is now required in this area.

The capacity issues are further exacerbated by the large catchment of the Tovil site and are compounded by the fact that T&M BC does not have a HWRC facility. Additional pressure will also be placed upon the Tovil site when the current agreement for Kent residents to use the Medway Council facility at Cuxton terminates in November 2020. 

As Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste I agree to:

(a)  award a contract for a new Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) to serve the needs of Tonbridge and Malling Borough and West Maidstone; and

(b)  take action as required to endeavour to retain access to Medway HWRC for Kent residents until the new facility is ready.