Landfill Plan Near Exeter Called Environmental Disaster

A proposed landfill site at Lower Brenton Farm near Kennford, Devon, has drawn significant criticism from local officials and residents, who warn it could lead to an "environmental disaster." Councillor Claire Dummett of Teignbridge District Council expressed her concerns, stating that the issues associated with the landfill proposal, initially submitted in 2021, remain unresolved in the latest application by developer BT Jenkins. The developer argues that the landfill would be a "responsible and sustainable" solution, aimed at reducing the need for transporting soil across the region. However, Dummett highlighted the potential negative impacts, including noise, dust, and pollution, which she believes would severely affect the local environment. Resident Janet Lillie echoed these sentiments, questioning the feasibility of maintaining footpaths near a site that would feature a significant mound of dirt and an industrial operation. BT Jenkins has stated that alternative sites were evaluated but deemed unsuitable for the project. The company plans to utilize a small crusher, likened to a tractor, to process materials for recycling, although it is not expected to operate daily. As the community grapples with the implications of the landfill, a public consultation on the proposal is currently underway, allowing residents to voice their opinions until the end of August.