Landfill plans for Mid Devon thrown out

Widespread objection for the scheme

Plans for a landfill site in rural Mid Devon have been unanimously thrown out as objectors turned out in force to stop it going ahead.

The application by a Crediton-based company called Decharge proposed using the site at Greenway, near Uplowman, as a temporary landfill and recycling centre for more than 350,000 cubic metres of inert waste, including construction material such as soil and rocks.

Devon County Council had recommended the scheme be refused for five key reasons, including fears about the suitability of small village roads that would be used by HGVs to access the site.

Objectors, who packed the meeting’s public seating area, re-enforced worries about the safety of residents using the same roads as HGVs, notably children walking to schools in Uplowman and Sampford Peverell.

They also raised concerns about pollution, the effects on the environment and noise.

The council’s planning development committee heard 572 formal objections had been received about the scheme.

Several objectors also made reference to the unauthorised disposal of 23,500 tonnes of waste material in 2016, which led to the county council issuing a temporary stop notice, with landowner Stephen Dibble and haulier CB Plant Hire prosecuted by the Environment Agency for “non-compliance with waste exemption limits”.

Speaking for the applicant, Simon Coles, a planning consultant from consultancy firm Carney Sweeney, said the council’s officers had identified the need for such a landfill site in Devon, and that with the right planning conditions, his client’s scheme could prove useful.

“We need a strategically located site, and this proposal serves that role, achieving a significant reduction in the miles travelled by HGVs now [to reach such existing sites],” he said.

“Members, you know finding inert landfill sites that take in stones and earth excavated when new homes are built is really hard, and the perfect site doesn’t exist.”

Resident Nick Govia, who spoke on behalf of Halberton Parish Council, claimed the scheme did not adhere to planning policies.

“The location has inadequate road infrastructure for the volume and size of vehicles proposed,” he said.

He added that it created a risk of landfill waste being sourced from “across the south west”, adding to transport and environmental risks linked to the site.

“Does this scheme put financial gain ahead of policy adherence, road safety and village life? Yes it does,” he added.

Uplowman head teacher Steven Badcott said the scheme would put the “safety and wellbeing of my pupils at risk.

“It would have a severe and lasting impact on the school, and the safety of our children and the character of the village. Our 79 pupils all walk to school and there are no pavements and with this scheme. Our roads could be inundated with HGVs.”

The applicants had suggested they could prevent lorry trips during school drop-off and pick-up times, but Mr Badcott said pupils often need use the roads to reach the nearby village hall and church.

Resident Karl Wiseman, who spearheaded a campaign to galvanise residents against the scheme, said the proposed landfill relied on an “unsafe route through narrow lanes” and that any kind of traffic management plan – which would aim to dictate the route lorries took – was “unenforceable”.

“Campaigning against this has been like having a second job, but it has been about protecting the safety and enjoyment of where we live,” he said.

Cllr Colin Slade (Conservative, Tiverton East), a member of the development management committee and whose ward covers areas impacted by the proposed scheme, said objectors had “clogged up my inbox”, but that he had not commented until now to ensure he could have his say and vote against the scheme.

“The arguments that have been made about road safety, the environment, noise, pollution, the detrimental impact on school children and all residents have been clearly made and I think this scheme would blight their lives in my opinion,” he said.

“I thank those who have put their case forward so concisely, they have done their research and know what they are talking about.”

Members calling the decision a “no brainer” and dubbing the scheme “totally wrong”.

Planning applications are normally delat with by district councils, but schemes such as this, including those related to waste, are considered by the county council.