Legal proceedings against Staffordshire landfill advance

A council has announced that legal proceedings concerning a malodorous landfill site in Staffordshire are progressing. Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is pursuing legal action against Walleys Quarry Ltd, citing alleged violations of an abatement notice. This notice mandates the operator to prevent the site from causing an odour nuisance. Data released by the authority indicates that complaints regarding the landfill have been more numerous in six of the eight months of the current year compared to the corresponding period last year. Walleys Quarry Ltd stated its focus is on reducing the site’s impact on residents in the vicinity. Simon Tagg, the council’s leader, reported that the authority had already recorded 270 complaints from residents in October. For the same month in the previous year, this figure stood at 87; in October 2022, it was 206; and in October 2021, it was 190. Mr Tagg commented: “The EA [Environment Agency] is the principal regulator for this site and we have asked it repeatedly to take effective action to end the problem.” He added: “I am bewildered how it can think that this is an acceptable situation after years of residents’ suffering.” A spokesperson representing the Environment Agency conveyed that it had “every sympathy” with local people and was “committed to maintaining long-term improvements in emissions from Walleys Quarry landfill”. Concerns regarding the site have existed for over ten years, originating from a period when it was managed by a different company. Gordon Mole, the council’s chief executive, announced the appointment of Jeremy Phillips KC and Horatio Waller, both from FTB Chambers, to represent the council. While legal action was anticipated to commence by the end of October, Mr Mole indicated that a complex and detailed procedure must be adhered to. He stated: “Whilst understandably we cannot provide a running commentary on progress we would hope to share the latest position with the public in the next few weeks.” In a released statement, Walleys Quarry Ltd asserted that it is “stringently regulated by the Environment Agency” and fulfills a “vital role in offering residual waste disposal supporting wider recycling services”. The company further added: “We recognise the impact that odours can have for local residents, and the team is focused on managing the site to minimise impacts to the community around the site and we will continue to do so.”