South Ayrshire Local Plan

Waste Disposal

In line with National Guidance, the Council’s Waste Disposal Strategy and Area Waste Plan seek to promote the principles of waste minimisation, prior to its eventual disposal. As such, an increase in the recycling of wastes forms an integral element of the Strategy, with the ultimate aim of reducing the burden on disposal facilities and potential problems of pollution.

This move towards waste minimisation may lead to a requirement for the provision of further small recycling banks, for example at large commercial developments such as supermarkets and non-food retail warehouses, and civic amenity sites in locations which would not be detrimental to local amenity.

In addition to the requirements for civic amenity sites, there is a need to establish two centralised waste transfer depots for material sorting, reclamation and recycling. Modern, efficient waste transfer depots comprise an enclosed building within which the material sorting takes place for its onward distribution and disposal. A centralised site is required to reduce the need for the transport of material near to Ayr, and another close to Girvan. In this regard the Council has sought to identify potential locations for such a facility where minimal environmental implications would be felt. A site has been identified at Girvan Mains Farm, Girvan, which is close to the urban area and well located on the trunk road network.

Modern, efficient waste transfer depots comprise an enclosed building within which the material sorting takes place for its onward distribution and disposal. It is considered that the former Electricity Board site at Holmston Toll may be acceptable in that it comprises a redevelopment site with an established transport and distribution use, well located on the transport network, close to the urban area and already partially screened by established semi-mature trees and bushes. A further site has been identified at Girvan Mains Farm, Girvan which is also close to the urban area and well located on the trunk road network.

POLICY SERV14

The Council will favourably view proposals for the establishment of a waste transfer depot at Girvan Mains, Girvan.

NOTE
Site suitability will require to be confirmed in terms of environmental and infrastructure implications and the design, landscaping, screening, access, operating hours being acceptable. At Girvan Mains a prior archaeological investigation and assessment will be required.

The Council will continue to monitor the provision and operation of local recycling centres, large recycling facilities, civic amenity, waste transfer and landfill sites or other waste disposal facilities to ensure adequate provision and compliance with the environmental objectives of the Plan.

Whilst the Council is committed to the reduction of waste requiring disposal, there will remain a need for landfill capacity, as close to the source of this waste as practicable to reduce the need for transportation, of such material. Whilst capacity at existing sites is considered adequate for the short to medium term, the Council will be mindful of potential landfill (or other waste disposal method) opportunities for future capacity requirement, especially where this would lead to or assist in the restoration of despoiled or degraded land.

POLICY SERV15*

Should additional waste management or disposal facilities be needed, proposals for their location and operation will be assessed in terms of

The site’s proximity to the source of waste; and

Demonstrated local need; and

Community benefits outweighing any environmental or amenity concerns.