Residents’ joy as waste plan axed

Firm set to appeal

CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after the Environment Agency threw out controversial plans to tip 540,000 tonnes of waste at Birks Quarry, as reported exclusively in last night’s Chronicle.

They said that common sense had prevailed after the agency (EA) ruled that mud and water from the site would present an unacceptable risk to motorists on busy Huddersfield Road.

But they are gearing themselves up for another battle after tip operator Open Goal indicated it would appeal.

Opposition to the proposals was mounted by Oldham Council, residents and Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas.

They welcomed the statement by the EA which said: “We do not believe the operator could prevent mud and water from the site being transferred to the highway.

“We accept the view from Oldham Council as the highways authority that this presents an unacceptable risk. Greater Manchester Police also expressed concern.”

Gordon Whitaker, the EA manager for Greater Manchester, added: “The agency exists to protect people and the environment and we have made this decision based on environmental legislation and expert opinion.

“We have had over 300 representations from the community on issues like noise, dust and surface water. We have listened to these concerns and considered them in our final decision.”

Planning permission to use Birks Quarry, on the Lees Austerlands border, as a tip was given 20 years ago by the Planning Inspectorate on appeal. This followed repeated refusal by Oldham Council — a fight which cost taxpayers around £250,000.

The EA has now refused Royton-based Open Goal a tipping permit and Councillor Mark Alcock, Oldham Council’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “The council has been totally opposed to this development since the initial planning application was submitted in 1985.

“Although the applicants do have a right of appeal, they can be under no illusions about the strength of feeling against this development and I would hope that they choose not to exercise that right.

“As pleased as we are at the decision, we will not be resting on our laurels and officers will continue to prepare the evidence to support their case that the permit application be rejected at any appeal hearing.”

Mr Woolas revealed that the Health and Safety Executive had expressed concerns about road safety and mud only days before the tipping permit was refused.

He said: “Residents will be delighted the EA has taken a bold and correct decision.

“The prospect of years of noise, dust and mud this landfill would have brought would have been unbearable.

“The unacceptable risk to road safety on the busy A62 near the steep and concealed entrance to the site has been a great concern.”

A spokesperson for Birks Quarry Action group added: “Common sense has prevailed but if Open Goal appeal the decision we have to be prepared for the ensuing inquiry.”