Fortis’ A303 IBA Processing Facility is granted a 50% increase in throughput
Due to the success of the A303 IBA Processing Facility, Fortis are continuing to investigate options to increase the IBA throughput by processing similar material from outside the county. In turn, this will significantly benefit Hampshire as the recycled aggregate will be made available to the local construction market, replacing primary aggregates.
Earlier this year, Fortis submitted a variation to the planning permission at the A303 Processing Facility. The application included a variation to three conditions as shown below:
Condition 14 To increase the permitted annual limit on IBA processing from 120,000 tonnes to 180,000 tonnes
Condition 17 To vary the approved plans of the processing plant to include mobile pre-screening plant
Condition 2 To allow plant operation from 6.00am and HGV movements from 7.00am on Monday – Saturday. The previous limitation was 7.30am for both plant operation and lorry movements.
The inclusion of the mobile pre-screening unit was to increase the efficiency of the IBA recycling plant, provide flexibility and improve the quality of the aggregate. The addition in hours of working in the morning resulted from a review of Fortis staff working patterns, as well as to meet demand for the recycled aggregate more efficiently.
Following detailed assessments with regard to traffic, noise, dust and odour, engagement with the local community and the success of the site open day last year, permission was granted for the variation in the spring.
Rob Westell, Estates and Planning Director, commented: “We were delighted to assist the Fortis team in achieving a planning permission which allows a 50% increase in throughput, extended working hours and a new screen to remove the finer fraction of the material before the main plant process.
The throughput increase, together with operational efficiencies arising from the reduction in fines through the process, provides the platform for the Longparish plant to secure new contracts and improve profitability.”