We want to express our concerns regarding the proposed variation to the environmental permit for the Shelford Landfill Site, Shalloak Road, Canterbury (CT2 0PU), submitted by Valencia Waste Kent Ltd.

While we understand the need for effective waste management, we are deeply concerned about the lack of clarity in the application regarding the source and volume of the additional waste to be processed under the proposed changes.

This raises significant environmental and public health concerns, particularly in relation to:

1.      Increased Vehicle Movements and Associated Pollution
The proposal does not clearly outline how the additional waste will be transported to the site. We are concerned that this could result in:

·         A rise in heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic to and from the site, increasing air pollution, noise, and road safety risks for local residents.

·         More vehicle idling and movement within the site, contributing to localised air quality degradation and potential breaches of environmental standards.

2.      Lack of Transparency and Impact Assessment
The application lacks sufficient detail on:

·         The origin of the additional waste and whether it aligns with local or regional waste management strategies.

·         The cumulative impact of increased operations on the surrounding environment, including air quality, noise, and odour

3.      Community and Environmental Safeguards

·         While the application includes documents such as a Dust Management Plan and Noise Management Plan, we believe these do not adequately address the potential increase in environmental burden resulting from the proposed changes.

·         It is not clear that existing concerns from residents about fencing and maintenance of site boundaries, have been addressed and how this application will affect those concerns or any impact be mitigated.

·         Despite efforts by Residents Associations and councillors to engage with Valencia, no notice or explanation was given for this change application.

·         Repeated requests have been made for a contact number for the site to be provided, without success and when advised of residents’ concerns about this latest application no explanation has been forthcoming, only a vague promise to provide "clarification soonest".

We urge the Environment Agency to refuse the permit variation until:

1. A full and transparent assessment of the source and volume of additional waste is provided.
2. A comprehensive traffic and pollution impact assessment is conducted.
3. Clear mitigation strategies are outlined to prevent any deterioration in local air quality and community well-being.

We believe that the health and quality of life of local residents, as well as the protection of our environment, must be prioritised in any decision regarding this application.

Cllr Beth Forrester and Cllr Mel Dawkins, St Stephen's Ward

Cllr Alister Brady, Canterbury City North