The Planning Committee of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Monday 22 May 2023 and unanimously approved a change of use application for a waste processing facility. The meeting also confirmed the minutes of previous meetings.

DHL Shed A, Barking Logistics Centre, Box Lane

The committee unanimously approved the application for a change of use from industrial warehousing to a waste processing facility at DHL Shed A, Barking Logistics Centre, Box Lane. This decision allows Titan Waste Solutions Limited to expand its operations into Shed A, enabling the use of processing equipment for waste separation in addition to manual sorting.

The application had been previously refused due to concerns about the principle of development, the lack of an up-to-date noise assessment, and insufficient fire and energy statements. However, this revised application addressed these issues. The waste processed will be Construction, Demolition, and Excavation (CD&E) waste, which is not typically associated with strong odours or attracting flies.

During the meeting, councillors raised concerns about potential noise, dust, and smells from the facility. Patrycja Ploch, from the BFAS Development Management Team, explained that all operations would be contained within the building, with vehicles entering and exiting through designated doors. Strict planning conditions have been imposed to mitigate noise, dust, and light pollution. These include limiting operating hours to 07:00-18:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00-16:00 on Saturdays, with no operations on Sundays or Bank Holidays. All waste processing and sorting will occur inside Shed A, and no outdoor storage will be permitted. The applicant must also ensure the building fabric is upgraded to meet noise mitigation recommendations.

Councillor Faruk Choudhury noted that while only nine residents objected, their concerns about noise were understandable, especially as the area had become more industrial. He urged the applicant to minimise noise levels. Councillor Muhib Chowdhury inquired about internal environmental assessments and future residential development plans, to which officers confirmed that environmental reports indicated the proposal would be environmentally friendly and that there were no immediate plans for residential development near the site. Councillor Sabbir Zamee sought clarification on the site's location relative to residential areas, which was confirmed to be approximately 120 metres away.

The decision to approve the application was made after careful consideration of the relevant planning policies, including the London Plan and the Council's draft Local Plan 2037. The approval is subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement and a series of planning conditions designed to ensure the development operates with minimal impact on the surrounding environment and residents. These conditions cover aspects such as approved plans, restricted use, hours of operation, dust management, fire safety, and energy efficiency. The Section 106 agreement will include obligations for employment and skills training for local residents, a travel plan, and the provision of a minibus service.