Mary Creagh MP // Tel: 01924 386124 // Email: mary@marycreagh.co.uk // 20-22 Cheapside, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 2TF

MP Objects to Woolley Tip Proposals

Wakefield MP Mary Creagh has submitted a formal objection to the council on proposals to increase the amount of waste that is composted on the site of the former Woolley Edge Colliery. Residents and the MP are up in arms about the Council's failure to order an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) when there are clear public health concerns.

Ms Creagh has demanded that an EIA is carried out to ensure there are no health risks or damage to the environment at the site. The Woolley Grange Residents' Association has submitted formal objections to the proposals on the basis of environmental concerns and fears for public health. Local residents have also collected a petition urging the Council to refuse the planning application, due to be heard in early September.

Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield said: "I have serious concerns about this planning application. Not only will residents have to put up with odours and mud from the site on the roads, but spores from the composting of waste can be hazardous to human health. Environment Agency guidelines state that an Environmental Impact Assessment should automatically be sought where a site has over 75 000 tons of waste composted per year. This seems to be the case here, yet the council has not required the developer to submit such a proposal. I am objecting on public health and nuisance grounds. I also think that the Council, Environment Agency and residents need to see a full Environmental Impact Assessment before any decision is made."

The proposals are due to be considered by the Council's Planning Committee on 3rd September. The planning reference is 09/00787/MIN.