Waste companies are jockeying for position in the race to deal with Oxfordshire's waste in the recycling age.

It is no surprise that major companies like Grundon are making planning applications for new waste separation plants like the one it is suggesting on the site of the grain silo between Kidlington and Oxford.

A scheme for a composting plant has also been mooted for a site at Yarnton.

The picture is a complex one because, while Oxfordshire County Council is seeking bids from business interested in dealing with the county's residual waste, the exact method of treatment has yet to be decided. Indeed, the exact method will inevitably be decided by whoever wins the contract.

The exact amount of residual waste will also depend on what other facilities the county has. A waste separation plant could have a key role to play.

The point is that the best combination of facilities for Oxfordshire and the best location for these facilities has to be properly planned.

We cannot help feeling that Oxfordshire is not so much leading but being led by what private business is proposing.

The silo land has been identified in a public consultation as a potential site for a waste treatment plant, but is the Grundon proposal the right one, and will it be compatible with other facilities and waste systems adopted by Oxfordshire?

Planners at Cherwell say the scheme is premature because the county's minerals and waste development framework has yet to be completed.

A good point, for sure. But should we not be further ahead with our waste planning given the major changes that are already in place and those that are imminent?