A controversial landfill site plagued by complaints about a ‘rotten stink’ is set to expand its operations – despite concerns of those living nearby.
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.
Rochdale residents urged to shape new grooming gangs inquiry
Half of Rochdale GP practices unite under new integrated federation
Section 60 powers EXTENDED in Chadderton and Oldham after three stabbings
Romance fraud warning after 81 year old woman conned out of £5,000
New youth parliament members elected to represent Rochdale borough
Rochdale Wedding Show to return to town hall in May
Bury Council approves £4.5 million investment in leisure centres
Young people with SEND design training to reshape inclusion in Bury schools
Three Rochdale schools launch eco refill shops to cut plastic waste
Rochdale and York MPs back campaign for extra National League promotion place
Rochdale pupils explore engineering and apprenticeships during National Apprenticeship Week
Two men jailed for life over terror plot targeting Jewish communities
Comments
Add a comment