Biffa Waste successfully appeals for permission to build soil treatment facility adjacent to Colnbrook landfill

Client(s) Biffa Waste Services Limited

Jones Day advised Biffa Waste Services Limited in connection with an appeal against a planning refusal to construct and operate a soil treatment facility adjacent to its existing Colnbrook landfill site. The Council refused permission on the basis of the precautionary principal due to insufficient information provided by statutory consultees, in particular in respect of the health risks associated with the development. The planning inspectorate agreed with Biffa's arguments, following a five day public inquiry, that the soil treatment facility posed no unacceptable risks and granted planning permission. Due to the stance taken by the Council, Biffa was also awarded full costs of the appeal process.