Waste company says site must be filled as part of planning requirement

A VIRIDOR spokesperson said: “Erin Landfill site, like all waste sites, operates under the terms of an environmental permit which is regulated by the Environment Agency. Viridor takes its environmental obligations very seriously and is able to confirm that Erin Landfill site has had no enforcement action taken against it by the Environment Agency.

“The company said the current planning permission to restore the landfill site had been due to expire in 2021. Increased recycling and the changing nature of the economy, with less waste being produced, has seen a reduction in the amount on non-recyclable waste received at the site.

“In order to complete the landfilling and contouring of the site as required of Viridor as part of the current planning permission, and to achieve an environmentallysustainable landform, the company is proposing to extend the planning permission to 31 May 2035. This date is based on average waste input figures which provide a guide to the time required to complete landfill contouring.

“Viridor has also advised that it will use the time to introduce increased biodiversity to the restored landfill as part of its aftercare programme.

“The company can confirm that it carried out significant community consultation ahead of the submission of the planning application, including the production of a leaflet distributed to 199 surrounding residents and a project-specific website.

“Viridor has a policy of working hard to be a good neighbour to the communities in which it operates, and establishes community liaison groups at its operational sites for this purpose.

“In addition to the leaflet, and dedicated website, Viridor briefed the Erin community liaison group about its intention to submit the planning application.”