Procurement process - FAQs

Procurement process FAQs

• What is a reference project?

  In producing the OBC, we have demonstrated that there is at least one solution to managing the area's waste, meeting the output specification¹ which is 'deliverable, bankable and affordable'. We have also identified an appropriate sites solution and demonstrated that the solution should be deliverable in planning terms. The OBC therefore includes what is referred to as the "Reference Project" - a fully costed waste solution which demonstrates that we have looked in detail at a particular option and has established that it meets the key criteria.

  In selecting the facilities included in the reference project, we are not committing itself to procuring those particular facilities.

  1 An output specification is where an Authority sets out its requirements in terms of what it wants to achieve, for example a 50 per cent recycling target, leaving the bidders to decide on how they will deliver those requirements.

• How have you consulted with residents on these plans for north London?

  We work hard to ensure residents are kept informed about waste issues and are given the opportunity to input into decisions.

  We carried out consultation during the development and updating of the joint waste strategy and the seven constituent boroughs held three rounds of public consultation, the latest in May 2011, on the North London Waste Plan; the spatial plan that will dictate sites suitable for waste facilities in the North London area.

  Any new facilities will require planning permission from the Local Planning Authority and a waste management licence from the Environment Agency. We have submitted an outline planning application for a waste facility and vehicle depot in conjunction with the London Borough of Barnet on a site at Pinkham Way in Haringey. The application was submitted to Haringey Council as the local planning authority at the end of May 2011.

  However, we have decided not to seek validation of the planning application by Haringey Council at this time. The planning application is currently on hold until summer 2012. This means that it cannot go out for public consultation or be processed by Haringey Council.

  This timetable will allow time for the "Examination in Public" of the North London Waste Plan to take place and will ensure that residents know when the public consultation is likely to start.

  The proposed submission version of the North London Waste Plan (NLWP) allocates two new sites for waste facilities, including Pinkham Way. An independent planning inspector will review the proposed submission version of the NLWP at the Examination in Public, including the allocation of sites for waste use within the plan.

  As the project progresses we will aim to keep residents informed of developments in a variety of ways, including through our website and media announcements.

• What will this cost and will the money be available?

  The cost of disposing of waste in landfill has been rising in recent years. Landfill capacity is decreasing and the rate of landfill tax continues to increase on an annual basis. To continue to dispose of waste in landfill as we do currently is not sustainable and will cost local council taxpayers more in the long term.

  We are pursuing the best value for money approach to managing waste in north London and seeking to minimise the impact on local council tax bills.

  We estimate the new facilities will require £500 - £600 million of new investment.