Complaints about Banbury area landfill site under investigation by Environment Agency

An investigation was launched by the Environment Agency after complaints were made about an unpleasant odour coming from the Finmere Landfill Facility.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Our inspections have noted a reduction in odour both off-site, and within the permitted area over the last two months. This has been supported by the reduction on the number and frequency of odour complaints received.

“If anyone continues to experience odours at levels which cause them a nuisance, they can contact our incident hotline on 0800 807060.”

There is currently a suspension notice in place against the Environmental Permit for the Finmere Landfill issued on June 11, which has the effect of prohibiting the site from accepting any further waste for disposal into part (cell 10) of the landfill.

As the site is subject to an ongoing investigation which may result in enforcement action the Environment Agency cannot disclose further details relating to the underlying cause of the odours at this time.

Cherwell District Council also has a statutory duty to investigate complaints of nuisance, and if satisfied that a statutory nuisance exists or is likely to recur are required to serve an abatement notice. Cherwell District Council has served an abatement notice on the operators for an odour nuisance.

Oxfordshire County Council works closely with the Environment Agency. The county council is also working closely with Cherwell District Council, which has responsibility for responding to odour complaints as part of their responsibilities within Environmental Health regulation.

Banbury and North Oxfordshire MP, Victoria Prentis, has written to residents in Finmere, Mixbury and Newton Purcell following the ongoing reports of an unpleasant odour coming from the Finmere Landfill Facility.

Victoria has been in regular contact with the Environment Agency for the past few months about the facility. Alongside the issue of the odour, there have been concerns about over-tipping at the site and poor waste management.

Writing in her letter, Victoria said: “The Environment Agency has told me that their investigation at the site continues.

"Given ongoing enforcement action, it is critical that the Environment Agency can understand the level of nuisance caused by the odour. For them to do this, residents should complain whenever necessary using the incident hotline: 0800 807 060.

“I remain absolutely committed to finding a satisfactory resolution for all residents. In my conversations with the Environment Agency I have made it clear to them that enforcement proceedings must progress.

"They have reassured me that they keep residents updated, but it goes without saying that if you have any concerns, please contact me via [email protected].”

Message from the editor: Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.