Wirral Council rules out proposed landfill sites

Dec 8 2008 By Lorna Hughes

WIRRAL Council has ruled out all sites proposed for new landfill in the borough in a wide-ranging report.

The authority’s ruling cabinet will next week be advised to back the officers’ report.

Last night, councillors across Wirral welcomed the report.

The report comprises the authority’s response to the Joint Merseyside Waste Development Plan document.

The document had also highlighted 10 other sites for different types of waste facilities – many of which have also been described as “not suitable”.

Among the large sites judged unsuitable for waste disposal are the Graving Docks in Birkenhead, which the council said would be “contrary to the council’s wider aspirations for the regeneration and renaissance of the area” through the £4bn Wirral Waters scheme.

Most sites at Cammell Laird are also ruled out, although the authority has said two smaller sites in Wallasey, “suitable as an existing waste management facility”, could be used.

However, six landfill or “landraise” sites which provoked local outrage have been deemed “unsuitable”, including Bromborough Dock North, which appeared on the list later than the others. Irby Quarry, Carr Lane Brickworks, Tarran Way Brickworks, Prenton Quarry and Roman Road, in Prenton, have also been ruled out.

In response to the consultation about the Waste Development Plan Document, Wirral Council said it “does not agree that the emerging plan proposals are unlikely to have a detrimental equality impact on individual residents or groups of residents”.

The report said that an assessment “demonstrates a disproportionate impact on areas displaying the highest levels of deprivation within the sub-region, particularly in Wirral, and does not appear to consider the potential impact of waste facilities on the image and perception of these areas”.

It added: “The council is concerned that sites with little realistic prospect of progressing have been presented in a public report without adequate prior assessment, causing needless concern to the public.”

Bromborough councillor Steve Niblock said: “The report highlights that previous tipping had a prolonged impact on residents.

“By recommending the site is not suitable, it will help ensure this site is not used for waste.”

And Cllr Chris Blakeley added: “I’m pleased with the council’s response to the consultation, particularly that the two Moreton sites are not suitable and very good reasons given for that.”