Issue - meetings

That the update report be received and noted.

The Leader introduced the report on Walleys Quarry, advising members that the operator’s request to re-open the landfill during the appeal process had been turned down meaning this would remain closed until the hearing which was a victory for local people. The Leader had also contacted the Secretary of States and asked that the appeal be heard sooner rather than later.

The Chief Executive presented the report including latest figures regarding odour complaints which had increased further in January. Members were informed that the Council would have a seat at the appeal hearing and confirmation was provided that the site would remain closed until then further to a judgement from the Royal Court of Justice issued on 30^th January.

The Leader commented on the figures and the upcoming capping of the site which would hopefully help reduce the number of odour incidents.

Cllr Fear expressed his despondency at the rise of complaints along with his hope that things were indeed heading in the right direction.

The Deputy Leader while sharing his feeling added that the timetable suggested that a lot of things would be happening in February and the situation with the operator would likely have evolved by the end of the month.

Cllr Skelding seconded Cllr Fear’s comments and said being pleased that the request to re-open had been overturned. There seemed to be a correlation between the number of incidents recorded and the weather conditions and it was important for residents to keep logging in complaints.

The Leader concluded that the outcomes of the appeal would be the next step. The Council would have their say and aid the Environment Agency in making the right decision. The Secretary of States would have a role to play in bringing this forward sooner.

Resolved:    That the update report be received and noted.

Watch the debate here