RH12 4QD, Britaniacrest Recycling Limited, EPR/CB3308TD/V002: environmental permit consultation

Overview

Update: Final decision (16 November 2022)

We have now considered all the comments received during both consultation stages of the process. We have incorporated the comments within the final decision document. This document explains our decision making process and how we have assessed the Britaniacrest Recycling Limited permit variation application and the factors that we have taken into account. The decision document also explains our reasons for proposing the conditions in the permit.

We have determined that the applicant has provided sufficient information for us to determine that the facility will not compromise Air Quality Limits or Standards and will meet all the relevant environmental requirements for this type of facility.

We have therefore decided to issue the permit to Britaniacrest Recycling Limited to allow them to operate the facility as described in their application and additional information that they have provided.

The permit was issued on 16 November 2022.

The permit variation and our decision document can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rh12-4qd-britaniacrest-recycling-limited-environmental-permit-issued-eprcb3308tdv002

UPDATE (16 May 2022):

After reviewing more than 130 comments and scrutinising evidence, the Environment Agency is 'minded to’ issue a permit variation to add mechanical sorting and an energy recovery facility to an existing site off Langhurstwood Road, Horsham which is operated by Britaniacrest Recycling Limited.

Before we make a final decision, we would like to invite members of the public to read our draft decision document and permit variation and let us know of any further information relating to the potential impact on the environment or public health you would like us to consider.

This can be found here

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We are seeking your comments on an environmental permit application received from Britaniacrest Recycling Limited for
Wealden Works 3Rs Facility
Former Wealden Brickworks
Langhurstwood Road
Horsham
RH12 4QD

We can take account of

• Relevant environmental regulatory requirements and technical standards.
• Information on local population and sensitive sites.
• Comments on whether the right process is being used for the activity, for example whether the technology is the right one.
• The shape and use of the land around the site in terms of its potential impact, whether that impact is acceptable and what pollution control or abatement may be required.
• The impact of noise and odour from traffic on site.
• Permit conditions by providing information that we have not been made aware of in the application, or by correcting incorrect information in the application (e.g. monitoring and techniques to control pollution).

We cannot take account of

• Issues beyond those in the relevant environmental regulations.
• Anything outside the remit of the EPR, e.g. the proposed location of the site, which is done by the local authority via land use planning.
• Whether a site should have a formal designation under Habitats Directive or other conservation legislation.
• Whether the activity should be allowed or not as a matter of principle. For example we will not consider whether wood, gas, or coal should be burnt to produce electricity; only that the options and environmental impact of say wood has been considered. We will not consider whether a waste incinerator proposal should be turned into a sorting and recycle proposal, only that the incinerator options and effect have been considered.
• Land use issues when determining a permit application, even if changing the location of the activity would improve its environmental performance.
• The impact of noise and odour from traffic travelling to and from the site.
• The legally defined process we follow to determine a permit.
• The granting of a permit/variation if the operator is able to demonstrate that they can carry out the activity without significant risk to the environment or human health.