Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from John Leech and John Staddon and Councillor Newcombe.

The notes of the meeting held on 10 November 2010 were agreed as a correct record.

Terry Green reported that there had been a price war for raw materials over the last three years.  This came to an end in January, but since then a renderer based in Halifax has been targeting the South West for raw materials.  This has resulted in a reduction of approximately 400 tonnes per week to the factory which was equivalent to 16-20 lorry loads per week.

Material was still being received on a daily basis, but in reduced volume.  The factory processing hours had reduced and there were now 2-3 shutdown periods per week.  As a result of this, the factory is now in the process of restructuring its working arrangements.

Councillor Prowse asked if there was any legislation on minimising transportation of materials.  Terry Green advised that the competitors were legally obliged to conform with DEFRA legislation and that of their enforcing authorities.

Terry Green circulated the environmental control expenditure for September 2010 to February 2011.

Alex Bulleid circulated details of five additional complaints since the agenda was circulated.

She highlighted a plant breakdown over the Christmas period and also one power failure.

The complaints from Marsh Barton were from two separate businesses.  Alex advised that an officer will attend as soon as possible after any complaint has been made.  Terry Green added that the factory also carries out regular odour assessments.

Terry Green referred to the last meeting where he suggested that on occasions the source of odours may have been in part attributable to the City Council’s green waste recycling depot which was adjacent to the factory.  He had recently seen an article in the Express & Echo which stated that this depot would be closing due to a change in legislation.  Councillor Prowse stated that he was unaware of this and would write a letter seeking further information.  He would pass on the reply to Terry Green.

There was no other business.

The date of the next meeting was noted.