A planning application to extend a West Sussex landfill site has hit an early obstacle as it is objected to by a local authority consultee.
Plans were submitted earlier this year by Viridor Waste Management, to deposit an extra 400,000 tonnes of waste at the Horton landfill site, Small Dole in West Sussex. The application was submitted to West Sussex County Council who will make the final decision, but consultee Horsham District Council has objected to the application.
Without the new permission the landfill is likely to close in Spring 2008, but Viridor would like to extend the site’s life until late 2010. The added volume at the site under the proposals would be achieved by raising restoration levels by up to 4m.
Adley Landfill, Oxfordshire restored by Viridor (photo courtesy of Viridor)
Councillor Sheila Matthews, chair of Horsham’s development control committee, has indicated that the villagers consider that after 18 years of site operation, the site should duly close in 2008.
Residents were given the opportunity to speak at the Council’s committee meeting.
Viridor Waste Management has indicated that it needs more space to help with the general shortage of landfill capacity in the County and to reduce the pressures on the remaining landfill sites.
Dan Cooke, Viridor’s external affairs manager said:
"There is an acute shortage of landfill capacity in West Sussex for disposing of non-hazardous domestic and commercial wastes. Viridor's proposals seek to assist in meeting this need.”
The site will be restored to blend in with the surrounding land and the scheme includes the provision of a fishing lake which would be provided whether the application is successful or not.
The Viridor application is likely to go to Committee for a decision sometime in the Autumn.