Concern overplan to expand landfill site

Newton Farm residents are set to kick up a stink over proposals to expand a landfill site near their homes.

For years, locals have been blighted by un appealling odours emanating from several nearby plants and sites.

A few months ago, homeowners were offered fresh hope when electrical power company Drax announced it was to use new technology to reduce the smell from its plant.

However, waste management company Patersons, which has a landfill premises nearby, has launched a consultation on expanding the site.

The proposals would see the landfill’s elevation increased by 16 metres to 64m, from the existing 48m.

If passed, it could see a sizeable increase in the amount of rubbish dumped there, and the potential worsening of the stench currently endured by residents.

Liisa Hepworth, of Halfway community council, said the local group have concerns about the plan.

She told the Reformer: “It’s definitely something that’s not wanted.

“It feels like we have had good news and then bad news at the same time, because we were finally getting progress with Drax and now this has happened.

“Landfill was supposed to be stopped as a disposal method by 2021, but the Scottish Government had extended that until 2025, and Patersons have obviously reacted to that.

“There is a general smell coming from there and the more that it is elevated you imagine that it will get worse.

“We were alerted to the plan by Mount Vernon community council, who have prepared a strong response to the consultation.

“We’ll have to wait and see if it gets taken forward.”

The site is to the west of Newton and adjacent to Mount Vernon, Baillieston, Carmyle and Sandyhills.

Also in the area is the Drax plant, a crematorium and a Scottish Water sewage plant.

Environment watchdog SEPA told plant owners Drax to make an investment aimed at improving the area at the start of the year.

The company then announced they were intending to use odour abatement technology to help.

The technology was recently approved by Glasgow City Council and will be installed in the coming months.

Comments on the proposed Paterson’s development close today and can be sent to psl@ pleydellsmithyman.co.uk.