A decision on a contentious landfill project in Exeter has been postponed, allowing the applicant to provide more information before the next review in April.
Exeter: A decision on a controversial landfill project has been delayed. The plans involve turning farmland into a landfill site and recycling center. This has upset many locals.
The Devon County Council was set to discuss the plans for Lower Brenton Farm. They were expected to reject the application due to its negative impact on the landscape.
Last week, the applicant, BT Jenkins, asked for more time to gather information. They want to present additional details before the next meeting on April 2.
Russell Lowton from BT Jenkins expressed surprise at the unexpected concerns raised in the officer’s report. He believes they can address these issues with more information.
Protesters planned to attend the meeting but will now hold a countryside walk instead. They aim to highlight the potential damage to local footpaths if the landfill goes ahead.
Mike Elliott from the Residents Against The Landfill group voiced frustration over the last-minute delay. Local residents have been opposing this project for over three years.
The initial plans were submitted in early 2022. After withdrawing the application, BT Jenkins revised their proposal following public feedback.
Devon County Council found errors in the applicant’s environmental and transport statements. They required corrections before making a decision.
After receiving the necessary information, DCC launched a consultation for public comments. Campaigners submitted a petition with over 3,300 signatures against the project.
BT Jenkins wants to use 75 acres at Lower Brenton Farm for clean soil disposal. This project is temporary, with three phases lasting three to four years each.
The latest application is said to differ significantly from earlier plans. Concerns about landscape impact and public rights of way were major reasons for potential rejection.
Additionally, the applicant did not address climate change and human health in their environmental statement, which could lead to further reasons for refusal.
Given the extensive consultation and previous proposals, DCC does not expect an acceptable plan to emerge from amendments to the current application.
