Planners urge firm line on tip site

PLANNING chiefs at Warrington are urging a firm line with tip operators over an application to vary conditions attached to the completion of the giant Risley landfill site.
They are recommending the borough’s planning committee to continue to insist that the tip is completed and fully restored by October 19 next year.
Tip operators Biffa are seeking a change to conditions that would remove the exact date from the wording.
Their application has raised fears among objectors – including Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council, Croft Parish Council and local residents – that the company is seeking to win more time on site.
Over the years there have been repeated applications to extend the life of the tip at Silver Lane, Risley, which, residents claim, causes a loss of amenity because of noise, smells, flies, heavy traffic, etc.
There has been considerable anger that planners have allowed tipping to continue well beyond the original expected life of the tip.
A variety of excuses have been put forward for extending the life of the facility – including the recession causing a shortage of materials for tipping.
The new application relates to a requirement that all plant and machinery used to remediate contaminated soils used for restoring the site be removed at least eight weeks prior to October 19 next year.
Biffa want to change the wording so that it be removed “at least eight weeks prior to the restoration of the site”.
Objectors are concerned that this reflects an expectation that restoration of the site will not be completed on time – and planning officers agree this is a “valid concern”.
They recommend the date be retained in the wording to reinforce the council’s expectation that the target is met.
The issue comes before the planning committee on Wednesday.