A major part of our works so far has included the clearing and removal of large amounts of fly tipped waste on part of the site, with us succeeding in diverting 81% of the waste from landfill by weight. The strategic infrastructure works (SIW) are needed to unlock Phase 2 of the development and longer-term development potential. The second phase is expected to deliver a comprehensive package of works including up to 2,300 homes, 28,500 square metres of commercial space, the clean-up of brownfield land, flood protection works, a new two-hectare park and far-reaching sustainable transport benefits including a new east-west link road.

A recent compliance inspection was carried out by the Environment Agency (EA) on our mobile plant permit operations. In the compliance assessment report, the EA stated, “On arrival, officers were provided a thorough health and safety induction and security clearance.” As part of our ‘Safety at our Core’ initiative, Cognition always exercises every effort to ensure the safety of everyone on site, so we are glad that this has been recognised.

The EA officers were given a tour of the site and relevant areas for the assessment of the permit including the site’s crushing, processing and quarantine areas, storage of some excavated soils, and an excavated underground tank. They were also given access to relevant notes such as, waste transfer notes, hazardous waste consignment notes, records of materials samples and testing, and copies of the site diary and the EA permit. Our Technically Competent Manager, Jack Gallagher, did a phenomenal job of explaining the details of the project to the officers and providing all other relevant information.

The EA Compliance Assessment Reports closing remarks noted that:

“The approaching roads to the site were found on the visit to be clear of mud and debris and there were established security protocols at the entrance and throughout the site. No permit breaches were recorded during the site inspection.”

Cognition is thrilled to have another very successful inspection under our belt.

Well done to all the site team and keep up the great work!