Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Environment introduced the report.

The updated Draft RDG was a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) designed to guide residential developers in ensuring new developments were operationally compliant for waste collection authorities.

In response to questions, the Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Environment and Waste and Environmental Planning Officer said the following:

               i.         The RDG had previously formed part of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Minerals and Waste Local Plan (WMLP). While it continued to be linked to the WMLP, the approval timetable for the SPD was now being decoupled at county level to allow for quicker adoption.

             ii.         The revised SPD aimed to ensure bin stores were easily accessible for residents, as well as avoiding overly complex locking systems, provide sufficient space for waste and recycling storage, support efficient access for waste collection crews and provide clarity on existing issues with shared bin stores, particularly regarding recycling access.

            iii.         The document was an update to the existing design guide, reflecting lessons learned including new waste infrastructure such as underground bins.

           iv.         Noted the Cabinet’s request for feedback on the consultation currently underway, referenced on page 124 of the agenda pack. Any significant changes would be report back to the Cabinet if required.

             v.         Underground bins would be installed at the Fanshawe Road development.

           vi.         Would continue to explore opportunities to expand underground storage in new schemes.

          vii.         Retrofitting underground bins in the city centre would be costly and complex due to existing underground utilities.

        viii.         Underground bins were being adapted to accommodate weekly food waste collections.

           ix.         Noted the concern regarding accessibility for wheelchair users, particularly lifting bags into large, shared bins and would provide an answer outside of the meeting if there were any specific requirement for height of a refuse bin.

Post Meeting Note:

Building regulations did not specify any requirements for the height of refuse bins. Greater Cambridge Shared Waste provides an assisted collection service for residents with mobility or disability issues if it not possible for anybody within the household to take the waste to the normal collection point. The service can also provide residents with their own small 140 litre bins which are lower in height if this is their preference. Residents with concerns should contact the waste service so that their individual needs can be discussed and a suitable solution agreed.

Waste and Environmental Planning Officer

Cabinet unanimously resolved to:

      i.         Approve the Draft RECAP Design Guide-Policy Update (RDG).

    ii.         Grant delegation of approval to Cabinet Member for the final post consultation version of RECAP Design Guide-Policy Update (RDG) in February 2026