£75,000 tip battle not over yet

THE battle to block the expansion of a controversial landfill site at Warrington has cost the borough council more than £75,000 – and it may not be over yet.
This is revealed in a report to the development control committee, to be considered next week, on the result of the public inquiry into the Biffa landfill site at Silver Lane, Risley.
As already reported, Biffa lost its appeal against Warrington’s refusal to grant permission to extend the life – and area – of the tip site.
Hundreds of local people opposed the application, as did local Parish and Town councils, environment groups, etc.
But the report by planning chief John Groves says the dismissal of the appeal raises further issues.
The current consent means use of the site to cease sometime this month.
But this would prevent completion of the landfill process in line with the original permission.
Mr Groves says: “The site cannot be left as it is as remediation and restoration in line with the planning permission would be compromised.
“A further application seeking to deal with this position is expected to be submitted shortly.”
Mr Groves notes that Biffa has indicated the possibility of seeking a judicial review of the inquiry decision, but so far have not done so.
A significant part of the objections from local residents, councils, etc reflected concern about loss of amenity resulting from continued and extended use of the landfill site.
But the inspector did not support these concerns and clearly did not consider this issue as a foundation for dismissing the appeal.
Mr Groves says: “Defence of a decision to refuse an application of this kind is costly.
“It is estimated that the council’s costs in providing adequate representation and evidence at an appeal of this kind will exceed £75,000.
“The appellants have not been found to have acted unreasonably in exercising their right to appeal. In such circumstances there is no scope to reclaim any part of these costs.”