Opposition grows to quarry tip plan
Date published: 17 December 2008
A RETIRED university lecturer has been joined by an MP in challenging plans to allow tipping in Austerlands — a mile away from Oldham’s most controversial landfill site.
Rob Knotts, vice-president of Saddleworth Rotary Club, is asking the Environment Agency (EA) for a list of materials that could be dumped at Birks Quarry, off the A62 Huddersfield Road.
It follows mounting concerns over the High Moor tip at Scouthead which has led to scores of complaints about vile odours seeping into homes.
Now Phil Woolas, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, the former Minister of the Environment, has written to Oldham Council asking for urgent clarification concerning planning issues surrounding Birks Quarry.
He said: “This is a very contentious site which generated a great deal of local opposition when planning permission was given many years ago.”
And, despite reassurances the new tip will only take inert waste, Mr Knotts (67), said: “It is disturbing to note the activity associated with Birks quarry. Notices have been erected, traffic lights activated, some fencing installed, the access road inside the quarry boundary has been widened and some clearance of trees is in hand.
“I want to ensure we don’t find ourselves in a situation similar to High Moor where the tipping permit includes a host of materials that can generate smells.
“With the unacceptable performance of High Moor and the effect it has had on the community, I would have thought applications for any further tipping operations would be denied.”
He claimed the EA advertised plans for the site in Rochdale, but not in Oldham, and has since received an apology from an official.
Councillor Derek Heffernan, an ardent opponent of High Moor, has joined the fray.
He said: “Plans for the tip were advertised in Rochdale, not here. They EA should get a map of Oldham. The company has asked for a permit to tip inert waste at the site.
“I also have some concerns over a dangerous bend in the road leading to the site.”
A spokesperson from the Environment Agency said: “We received an application for an environmental permit for Birks Quarry.
“A draft determination has now been issued. Due to a number of public concerns, the consultation period has been extended until January 8th next year.”.
Details of where the draft determination can be viewed are available at: www.environmentagency.gov.uk/research/library/consultations/99804.aspx.
