Agenda and minutes

The agenda and reports associated with this minute can be found at:-

http://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=511&MId=3691&Ver=4

Please note that if any changes are made to this minute at the point of approval, these will be outlined in the subsequent minute and this document will not be retrospectively altered.

The Forum had before it the procedure note and guidance for members on the operation of Forum meetings.

The Forum resolved:-

to note the procedure note and guidance for members.

The Forum had before it the minutes of its previous meetings of 6 November 2014 and 15 and 26 January 2015.

The Forum resolved:-

to approve the minutes.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

Councillor Jean Morrison declared an interest in the following item of business by virtue of her position as Convener of the Zero Waste Management Sub Committee, which had been involved in an earlier and different stage of the process.  The Vice Convener declared an interest as a member of the Zero Waste Management Sub Committee.  Councillor Jean Morrison and the Vice Convener did not consider that the nature of their interests required them to leave the meeting.

The Forum had before it a report by the Head of Planning and Sustainable Development on submission of a Proposal of Application Notice which outlined a potential application by SITA UK Limited for the proposed construction of a materials recycling facility, a refuse derived fuel plant and a Council depot.

The Forum heard from representatives of the applicant who outlined the proposal in greater detail and responded to questions from members.  The Council’s Waste and Recycling Manager also responded to questions from members.

Mr Garfield Prentice, representing the case officer, then addressed the Forum, providing more detail regarding the planning aspects of the application and responded to questions from members.

The report recommended:-

that the Forum note the key issues at this stage and advise of any other issues.

The Forum resolved:-

(i)           to express the importance to the applicant of (a) maximising energy efficiency and ventilation in relation to the proposed buildings on the site; (b) utilising robust materials due to the site being in close proximity to the sea; and (c) a traffic impact assessment being undertaken, and a Green Travel Plan being developed with regard to the transportation of staff;

(ii)          to note that the applicant would work on designs for the main building for further consideration at a later date;

(iii)         to note that further consultation events were due to be held, and to request the applicant to consider holding events in Marischal College or the Town House;

(iv)         to note that the applicant was hoping to submit the planning application in mid March 2015 with a view to it being determined in the summer, and, if approved, the site being operational in late 2016 or early 2017; and

(v)          to otherwise note the key issues at this stage.

- RAMSAY MILNE, Convener.