Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with (a) local residents and (b) the Environment Agency on the proposed additional landfill site near the Pilsworth South landfill site.

Valencia Waste Management has applied to the Environment Agency (EA) for a new Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) at the Pilsworth South Landfill Site. This activity requires a variation to the existing landfill permit.

The variation has been subject to public consultation and is still being determined.

The EA engaged directly with the local community, partners, Greater Manchester Mayor, Members of Parliament, Councillors, and stakeholders. The consultation closed on 23 August 2024 with approximately 280 responses received from the public and stakeholders.

Bury Council is responsible for the planning permission for the MRF.

The EA is not aware of any proposals for new landfill sites in this immediate area.