Moor controversy over landfill site

High Moor Quarry access - the palest-coloured road is the one now expected to be removed

A GIANT landfill operator has backed an environmental campaigner’s request for a meeting over access to the borough’s most controversial tip.

The move came after the Chronicle revealed an agreement made before current owners Veolia took over High Moor tip, requiring a lorry access road to return to agricultural land within 12 months of landfill operations ending at Scouthead. The road links the sprawling site to the main A62 Oldham-Huddersfield road and allows lorries and heavy plant access.

Though the site closed in January 2014, it produces gas for the National Grid and giant tankers daily remove leachate liquids - and will continue to do so for up to 30 years.

Saddleworth parish councillor Robert Knotts acted for residents living near the tip and in a letter to planners stresses Oldham Council had to grant the move ti return the road to the landowner. But he accuses planners of ignoring “bigger picture.”

“Knowing the site will be producing gas for many years to come and leachate tankers, heavy plant, lifting equipment and other vehicles will require access, Oldham Council has totally ignored the potential problem and basically buried its head in the sand. The council has a duty of care to traffic and road safety.”

Alternative access to the site is by narrow country roads and past homes.

John Molyneux, Veolia’s northern area aftercare manager, said his company supports the call for a meeting.

“While traffic to and from the site has declined dramatically, we don’t think there has been sufficient consultation about the planning application (to restore the road to agricultural land).”

Oldham Council has confirmed a meeting with Veolia will take place.