Cory Environmental, one of the UK’s leading recycling and waste management companies, has submitted a planning application to St Helens Council to extend landfilling operations at the site for three years to June 2012 to enable the site to be restored to the approved scheme for a Country Park.
Joanna Holland, Planning Manager at Cory Environmental, said “The proposals will allow us to complete infilling at the site to enable the delivery of the approved Country Park. Cory is continuing its work towards achieving the vision of a Country Park for all of the community’s enjoyment and is progressing the restoration of the site, having already planted 95,000 trees to restore parts of the site to woodland and wildlife habitats. The Country Park will include an Environmental Centre, public footpaths, an outdoor classroom, play areas, picnic areas and wildlife habitats.”
Joanna continued: “A comprehensive programme of public consultation has been undertaken with over 200 people attending our exhibitions. Whilst not everyone is in favour of the extension of time there is a significant level of support for our proposals.”
Cory has also modified its proposals to take account of the views expressed by the local community. Joanna commented that “The planning application includes a commitment to release 80% of the Country Park for public access in the same timescales as originally envisaged under the existing permission. We are also committing to additional financial contributions to support a Country Park ranger and additional facilities.”
Having listened to concerns regarding odour from the site, Cory is committed to work to reduce this wherever possible. Cory has reviewed the processes in place to monitor and manage this and has put forward a new Odour Management Plan, which has been approved by the Environment Agency.
Joanna concluded: “If the application to continue is successful it will offer Merseyside a vital opportunity to secure residual waste landfill capacity for the region.”
Cory Environmental has been operating the Lyme & Wood landfill site since 2003 and the current permission allows operations until June 2009. The planning application was submitted to St Helens Council on 9 March 2009.
