‘Rotten stink’ Pilsworth landfill site set to be allowed to expand operations

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 13:15

By Chris Gee

A controversial landfill site plagued by complaints about a ‘rotten stink’ is set to expand its operations – despite concerns of those living nearby.

The Environment Agency (EA), who oversee the operations of Valencia Waste Management at the Pilsworth South site on Pilsworth Road said it is ‘minded to’ approve a permit to increase the volumes of mixed non-hazardous waste allowed to be treated at the site at a new recycling plant.

However, before the final decision is made it has launched a second public consultation on the capacity of a new mixed recycling (MRF), recently built at the landfill.

The site, close to the M66, previously gained notoriety as locals complained for a number of years about foul smells.

Politicians described it as ‘like being hit in the face’. Locals said they’d been left feeling sick, comparing the pong to the odour of ‘rotten meat’.

The EA said that after reviewing 291 responses from the original consultation last year they are ‘minded to’ issue the environmental permit. This means after exploring the issues and concerns that have been raised, the EA can’t find any reason to refuse the application.

But it is yet to make a final decision.

Among those objecting to the permit were Rochdale Borough Council. Issues raised by them included concerns regarding ‘operator competence’ at the site, issues with ‘air quality relating to increase in vehicular traffic to and from the site’ and worries about odour checks and potential discharge from a water bath.

The three Unsworth ward councillors on Bury Council also objected. They, said: “We have concerns regarding potential increase in waste throughput of the site and request that permit is delayed until the MRF is up and running to prevent over-tipping in the landfill by understanding the true capacity of the MRF.”

During the initial consultation there were 289 of responses received from the public. The EA said that many of the issues raised were the same as those from Rochdale Council and the Unsworth councillors.

However, they said many objections included ‘concern over the impact from odour’. In the draft report the EA said ‘we are satisfied that there will not be a significant impact from odour’.

The construction of the MRF was not without controversy. Valencia originally built the plant taller, bigger and in a different location than the permitted plans. The firm said the plant was ‘materially different’ from the original permitted development, which is on greenbelt land.

In a subsequent retrospective planning application, approved by the council in November, 2024, Valencia said that the their plant was built 15 metres south west of the permitted scheme. They also revealed the building was 13.3m in height rather than the approved 12.5m, its length was be 80.7m rather than the 72m permitted and the width of the plant was 60.6m instead of 49m.

In March 2024, Rochdale town hall leader Coun Neil Emmott joined Bury council boss Coun Eamonn O’Brien and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham in calling for the operator to be stripped of its licence after smell complaints rocketed.

The Environment Agency installed new monitoring facilities to track air quality around the site. EA bosses later said there were no plans to remove Valencia’s licence after action on odour was taken.

Bury South MP, Christian Wakeford has encouraged residents to take part in the new consultation, which runs until July 4. He said: “I’d urge as many residents as possible to feedback into the consultation in relation to this matter.

“The Environment Agency may only refuse a permit application if it does not meet one or more of the legal requirements under environmental legislation, including if it will have an unacceptable impact on the environment or harm human health.

“If all the requirements are met, it is legally obliged to issue a permit.”

Valencia had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Festival drivers warned that charging your mates could cost you up to £2,500

Drivers heading to festivals like Parklife this summer are being warned that giving friends a lift could land them with hefty fines, if they ask for more than just petrol money.
Thousands of pupils to enjoy extra time off as schools close early on Oasis show days

More than 2,000 pupils at schools close to Heaton Park are set to enjoy additional time away from the classroom next month due to the Oasis shows.
Celebrating ageing with community spirit at Milnrow cafe event

A special event celebrating positive ageing and tackling ageism brought people together from across Rochdale and Greater Manchester this week.
New poets in residence to bring Rochdale's stories to life during cultural year

Two young writers will help celebrate Rochdale’s identity through poetry after being named poets in residence as part of the borough’s Greater Manchester Town of Culture celebrations.
Investigation launched after prisoner dies at Buckley Hall the day after his birthday

An independent investigation is underway after the death of a 64 year old man at HMP Buckley Hall in Rochdale, just one day after his birthday.
Besses councillors campaign to turn Boz Park into protected nature reserve

Local councillors in Besses have launched a community campaign to secure official nature reserve status for Boz Park in Whitefield, aiming to preserve the green space for future generations and boost investment in biodiversity.
Hollingworth Lake marks 20 years of helping young people onto the water

A milestone in outdoor education was celebrated as schools, sailing staff and community leaders marked 20 years of the OnBoard programme at Hollingworth Lake in Rochdale.
Rain can't dampen spirits as hundreds celebrate Bury Pride 2025

Bury Pride returned in vibrant form on Saturday 7 June, with hundreds of LGBTQI+ people and allies gathering in the town centre to celebrate visibility, inclusion and acceptance, despite grey skies and scattered showers.
Tenth anniversary of Littleborough Food Festival takes place this weekend

Littleborough’s popular Food and Drink Festival returns this Saturday, 14 June, with a full day of food, music and family fun to mark its tenth anniversary. The free event runs from 11am to 4pm across the town centre.
Bury Council responds to ‘speculation’ over sale of Whitefield library

Bury Council has responded to online ‘speculation’ about the sale of Whitefield Library.
Bury launches community clean-up drive with 40 bags of rubbish cleared

More than 40 bags of litter have been cleared from the streets of Bury during the first of a series of community clean-up days organised to bring people together and improve neighbourhoods.
Rochdale AFC co-chair issues summer update as club prepares for new season

Rochdale AFC co-chairman Cameron Ogden says fans have strong reasons to be optimistic ahead of the 2025/26 season, after a year of big improvements on and off the pitch.