Temporary reopening of toxic landfill site refused

The operator of a much-maligned landfill site has lost its bid to temporarily re-open amid a continuing row over foul smells from gas emissions that have plagued residents for years.

Walleys Quarry Ltd wanted permission for the site - Walleys Quarry in Silverdale, Newcastle-under-Lyme - to remain operational while an appeal to overturn its enforced closure was being considered.

The landfill has been unable to accept any new waste since the end of November when the Environment Agency (EA) acted, with officers saying they had exhausted all other enforcement options over emissions there.

A spokesperson for Walleys Quarry Ltd said they were disappointed with the latest set-back.

"We have made extensive factual and legal submissions to the Environment Agency, which in our view they have not substantively engaged with," they said.

"As a business we completely reject the accusations made by the Environment Agency relating to poor management of the landfill site and will review our future options."

Fumes at the site have been found to be noxious and at times exceeding guideline emission levels, with some residents linking such gasses to ill health in the vicinity.

Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Simon Tagg said he was relieved the bid to temporarily reopen the site had failed.

"The Environment Agency took a decision to serve a closure notice based on evidence built up over a long period of time, evidence which is going to be tested by the Planning Inspectorate in due course," he said.

He added: "Residents have reported their physical and mental suffering from the foul gas odours coming from this site for many years and the closure notice offered hope.

"What we need now is a permanent solution."

The Planning Inspectorate is due to consider the operator's appeal against the closure notice later this year.

Mr Tagg said the operator had the right to challenge Tuesday's ruling.

Alan White, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said the foul-smelling gas emissions from Walleys Quarry were "not acceptable" and were causing "distress" to local residents.

"As well as suffering the immediate day-to-day consequences of living with these terrible odours, it's clear that the community is concerned about the long-term effects of emissions from this site," he said.

"I hope now that the operator's appeal against the closure order itself can be heard as soon as possible and residents are provided with the clarity they need for the future."

In a statement, the Environment Agency said Walleys Quarry's operators must continue to comply with the closure notice, and that Walleys Quarry Ltd had been refused permission for a judicial review of the closure.

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