A WASTE disposal company is seeking a 12-month extension of tipping operations on a landfill site at Warrington – to give them time to prepare an application to extend the life of the tip by another six years.
Borough planning officers are recommending the extension be granted at the Collier Waste site off Moss Side Lane, Rixton.
They say although extending the life of the site by six years would increase the capacity of the site by 750,000 cubic metres, Collier Waste would reduce the capacity of another tip site in nearby Moat Lane, Rixton by a corresponding amount.
Planning consent for the combined sites was originally given by Cheshire County Council in 1996.
It expired last month – but the site has not been completed within the approved timescale,
Nearby residents have objected on the grounds of smells, disruption and environmental blight. They say they have had enough of tip traffic along Moat Lane.
Borough councillors who represent the area are also concerned.
They say there is no sign of any reinstatement of any part of the site and no sign of any progressive restoration or top-soiling to return the site to nature.
They would like to see waste depositing halted.
Officers admit that no restoration has taken place but say if the extra six years are approved, the issues of landfill phasing, capping and restoration would be regularised.
They point out that with a reduction of capacity at Moat Lane, there would be no net increase in the permitted landfill capacity in the area.
Officers say the applications to extend the life of the Moss Side Lane site by six years and to re-profile land at Moat Lane to take account of the reduced capacity will probably be read to be submitted jointly to the development control committee late this year.
The current application for a 12 month extension will allow the combined sites to continue operating in accordance with conditions attached to the original consent granted in 1996.
