Agenda item

To receive a report from the Head of Governance Services presenting a progress update on the implementation of the recommendations arising from the previous Scrutiny Inquiry into Peckfield Landfill Site.

The Head of Governance Services submitted a report which presented a progress update on the implementation of the recommendations arising from the previous Scrutiny Inquiry into Peckfield Landfill Site.

The following were in attendance:

-  Councillor James Lewis, Ward Member for Kippax and Methley

-  Louise White, Minerals & Waste Team Leader, City Development

-  Julia Reynolds, Acting Team Leader, Contaminated Land, City Development

-  Charlotte McKay, Team Leader Development Team, Legal Services

-  Christine Boothroyd, Local resident and member of the Peckfield Landfill Community Liaison Committee.

The Board was provided with a comprehensive planning update on recent developments with the site, with particular references made to the pace of site restoration compared to infilling, which was considered slower than expected. Board Members were also advised that the operator had breached Condition 35 as waste disposal and restoration operations had not been confined to 3 successive cells at any one time.  It was highlighted that Planning Officers had set out the required steps to be taken to complete the full restoration of one of the Cells (Cell 8) and the operator had committed to have this completed by 30^th September 2016.

It was also highlighted that issues had been raised with the operator regarding existing operational phasing arrangements that were at risk of deviating from the planning permission. This therefore requires urgent attention from officers and the operator and may result in the operator submitting a Variation of Condition planning application to resolve this issue.  Linked to this, Board Members were informed of the operator’s intention to employ the services of a planning consultant to help provide a solution for all parties.

Other key areas of discussion were:

·  An update on the role and make-up of the Peckfield Liaison Committee.  The Board was advised that regular meetings had taken place to consider site progress and to raise concerns of local residents, which primarily relate to odour and litter problems.

·  The Board discussed the robustness of the Environment Agency in monitoring the operating permit and requested details of existing permit breaches. 

·  In discussing general communication links with residents, there was particular concern raised about the limited capacity of the operator’s Facebook site and out of hours protocol. 

·  The Board received a general overview of the factors to be considered as part of any contingency planning process in the event of the landfill being abandoned or orphaned.  It was noted that whilst there had been no indication of this happening at Peckfield Landfill Site, discussions remain ongoing between Planning Officers and the Environment Agency regarding adequate aftercare provisions in such circumstances.  However, the Board was concerned to learn that details surrounding associated financial provisions held by the Environment Agency were not known to the Council and therefore agreed to pursue this further with the Environment Agency.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That a letter be written to the Environment Agency outlining the Board’s concerns and to seek clarification regarding existing operating permit breaches and contingency planning arrangements, including the need for greater transparency surrounding associated financial provisions. 

(b)  That in relation to recommendation tracking, the Board determines that further information is required from the operator and the Environment Agency before agreeing the status of recommendations.