Extension agreed for Bellhouse landfill site in Stanway

Residents in Stanway have complained to the Environment Agency over concerns the smells coming from the Bellhouse landfill site, in Warren Lane, are ruining their quality of life.

Speaking to the Gazette, a resident who lives three miles away from the site, which is owned by waste management company Enovert, claimed it had been especially problematic during last week’s heatwave.

“Some people say it smells like cow waste but you can tell it’s from the landfill,” they said.

Landfill - the Bellhouse site is in Warren Lane, Stanway

The frustrated resident said they first noticed the smell soon after moving to Stanway two years ago but that it is particularly problematic in the hot summer months, meaning they can’t keep their windows open on hot days.

'I wouldn't buy my own house'

They continued: “The problem is I’m planning to sell my house in the next few months and I’m worried about the value of my house dropping because of this.

“Who wants to view a house in a smelly area? I wouldn’t put an offer in myself even though it’s a lovely house.”

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The homeowner, who has lived in Colchester since 2017, said they have no choice but to move from Stanway to a less smelly area.

“Stanway is a lovely area and I would stay here if the problem with the smell was resolved,” they added.

What is happening with the Bellhouse landfill site?

Rumours have surfaced among residents which have led them to believe Essex County Council is directing waste from elsewhere in the county to the Warren Lane site, causing worries the issue will get worse if the site overflows.

Responding to a Freedom of Information request which was made in June this year, the authority confirmed it has approved an extension which allows the site to be used for landfilling until December 2026, after which it will be restored to an open space in line with already approved restoration and landscaping plans.

Enovert confirmed the Environment Agency has contacted the firm regarding a complaint about the unpleasant odour.

Chief executive Mark Silvester said the company has responded to confirm the operation of the site complies with its environmental permit.

He confirmed: “The site is permitted to accept non-hazardous waste only, including residual waste from Essex County Council.

“As part of our permit obligations, Enovert also captures landfill gas from the site that is used in engines to produce electricity, which is exported to the national grid, offsetting carbon emissions.”

He added that the company has awarded more than £500,000 in grants to environmentally beneficial community projects in Essex in the last year.

The Environment Agency was unavailable for comment.

Essex County Council was approached for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.