Agenda item

The Service Director for Regulatory Services introduced the update report on Walleys Quarry as presented to Cabinet on 3^rd June.

Cllr Casey-Hulme expressed concerns over recent news suggesting the landfill had now actually been abandoned. The Environment Agency did not intend to permanently cap and was removing the MMFs with no water services management in place and no restoration of the site. It was feared this would eventually open to the elements, there wouldn’t be any security, and children would be able to go and play there. It was requested that the matter be discussed at the next meeting of the full Council.

The Service Director for Regulatory Services responded that the operator having now gone into liquidation the priority was to make things stable on site and then looking at the longer-term options. A staged approach was essential, and the Council was currently working with the Environment Agency to deal with things as they were on site at the moment before moving on to the next stage of development.

Cllr Holland commented that there was always an option to raise issues relating to Walleys Quarry at full Council as the item was included in the Leader’s statement. Members were encouraged to never lose an opportunity to represent residents on this matter, the long-term future of the site and inaction demonstrated by the Environment Agency being indeed a great concern. The fact that odours had reduced was very welcomed and the question was now what the Council could do to press the regulator who was stewarding the site.

The Service Director for Regulatory Services confirmed that the dialogue would be maintained to press the government, Environment Agency and liquidators.

The Chair stated that while it was nice to see that a lot of work had been going on and that the site was in much better condition, there hadn’t been much detailed information about the long-term future of the site. Another public briefing felt appropriate if this is something that could be asked of the Environment Agency along with more information about the MMFs.

The Service Director for Regulatory Services said she would pass on the request for a public meeting to the Environment Agency. The three MMFs stations were still there and it was expected they would be reviewed over time.

Cllr Casey-Hulme said she had evidence from the judicial review of Matthew Richards that the Environment Agency had stated they would not be restoring the site or manage the water and that they would take away the MMFs.

The Service Director for Regulatory Services said she had not been included in the communication referred to and suggested that the information be shared along with having a conversation.

The Chair commented that this highlighted the need for a meeting with the Environment Agency so that they can explain themselves and address the confusion and anxiety for members of the public around the future of the site.

Cllr Barker asked about the £132,000 owed by Walleys Quarry to the Council.

The Service Director for Regulatory Services responded that the Council was engaging with the liquidators and awaiting an update.

Resolved:    That the contents of the update report be noted.

Watch the debate here