Sarah Champion MP Calls on Government to Act Now to Stop Droppingwell Tip

Sarah Champion MP has again called on the Government to act to prevent the reopening of Droppingwell Tip. Sarah, who has sought to stop the tip from reopening since an environmental permit was issued for the site in 2016, called on the Government to ‘explore any and all options to protect our community from this deeply unwelcome development before it is too late.’ 

In a letter to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Communities and Local Government, Michael Gove, Sarah said:

“Since the site was granted an environmental permit, together with local councillors we, as elected representatives have worked hard to oppose the tip, to speak up for local residents and businesses, and to lobby those with authority to stop the development to do so.’ 

‘To date, all our efforts have been unsuccessful, and the reopening of the tip appears imminent.”

Commenting, Sarah said:

“Having met recently with the Environment Agency and having raised serious concerns with them for more than five years, it is sadly clear that they are not willing to rescind the environmental permit they issued without even the most cursory public process.’

‘I am appalled by the manner in which the tip, which stands on the verge of becoming fully operational, has been allowed to proceed with no regard for the views of local residents, businesses or elected officials. I have called on the Government time and time again to step in. I hope that they will take the opportunity, at such a late stage, to stand beside residents in the face of this wholly unwelcome development.”

In her letter, Sarah also called on the Secretary of State to use the forthcoming Planning Bill to close the loophole that has allowed Droppingwell Tip to proceed.

Sarah said:

“I am extremely concerned by the implications of this situation for the wider planning framework. The fact that what is essentially a new development has been allowed to proceed without scrutiny by utilising historic planning permission is deeply troubling.’

‘I hope you will be able to use the Bill to close this loophole by ensuring that planning for landfill sites lapses after a given period of dormancy.”

Sarah commented:

“While it would come too late to stop Droppingwell Tip, it is imperative that the Government acts to close this loophole to prevent other communities from facing the terrible situation we face in Rotherham.’

‘It is not yet too late for the Government to engage with the concerns I have repeatedly raised with them. I hope, however belatedly, they will finally do so.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors: