Permit application for North Powys Bulking Facility at Abermule refused by NRW

An application for an environmental permit for a waste bulking facility at Abermule in Powys has been refused by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) due to concerns relating to the application’s Fire Prevention and Mitigation Plan.

These concerns were shared by the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service who helped inform NRW’s decision through consultation.

Powys County Council applied for a permit to operate a new facility for the bulking of non-hazardous material from kerbside collections.

After holding an extended public consultation on the application as it was presented, NRW undertook a full technical assessment of the application, taking the feedback from the consultation into account.

Concerns regarding fire safety at the site were identified following the technical assessment and were shared with the applicant. Requests for information were made to address the concerns and the applicant responded with further information after each request. However, the substance of the responses was deemed insufficient after further assessment by NRW permitting officers, who consulted with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service colleagues.

Ann Weedy, NRW’s Operation Manager for Mid Wales said: “Permit applications for developments such as the proposed bulking site at Abermule are complicated and often divide opinions. This is why undertaking a thorough consultation process is crucial to ensure all views and feedback shared are considered.
“I would like to thank everyone who responded to our public consultation and to our professional partners who provided their specialist advice. I would also like to thank the NRW officers who diligently assessed every aspect of the application and the feedback before coming to a determination on the application.”

Additional Information

In line with the application process, the applicant can appeal the decision to refuse the permit application within six months of the notice of refusal. They may also submit a new permit application.

Application Reference: PAN-013001

Applicant: Powys County Council

Facility: North Powys Bulking Facility, Abermule Business Park, Abermule, Powys, SY15 6NU

On the 14th March 2022, Natural Resources Wales refused this permit application. Read our notice of refusal to the applicant.

In line with the application process, the applicant can appeal the decision to refuse the permit application within six months of the notice of refusal. They may also submit a new permit application.

All information relating to this application can be found on our Public Register.

See the information on the Public Register.