Walleys Quarry Abatement Notice
There has been a significant development in the Walleys Quarry situation.
Former Supreme Court Justice, the Right Honourable Lord Carnwath of Notting Hill, led a mediation process which has resulted in Walleys Quarry Limited withdrawing their appeal against a statutory nuisance abatement notice served by the Council for odour nuisance in the town.
A court order ratifying an out of court agreement has today been issued by District Judge Grego sitting at North Staffordshire Magistrates’ Court.
Lord Carnwath said: “I am pleased to confirm that Walleys Quarry Limited and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council have today agreed to settle upon terms to enable the company to withdraw its appeal against an abatement notice issued by the Council on 13 August 2021. Walleys Quarry Limited acknowledge that the site has been the source of community complaint, and the Council acknowledge that Walleys Quarry Limited have improved their operational practices such that odour emissions have recently reduced significantly and best practicable means are currently in place.
“The terms of the agreement reached by the parties ensure that an abatement notice will remain in place and require best practical means to prevent any repetition so far as is reasonably possible of any statutory nuisance and provide for ongoing reporting to give continuing assurance to the community.”
Martin Hamilton, Chief Executive of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “This settlement is hugely significant for the community and it was achieved by both Walleys Quarry Limited and the Council working constructively with Lord Carnwath to get it over the line. The abatement notice, first served by the Council in August last year, is now in place and it legally requires Walleys Quarry Limited to stop landfill gas odours from causing significant problems for residents. Through mediation we have been able to agree with Walleys Quarry Limited a range of measures, such as improved access to information about activities on the site, which should be of real benefit to residents.”
More information is available on the Council’s website.