Views are being sought from the Local Authority and local residents living near to the Viridor operated Parkwood Landfill Site in Shirecliffe, Sheffield.
Viridor plan to close the landfill site in 2018 with restoration completed by 2020. Viridor is revising the existing restoration proposals due to significantly reduced levels of waste materials that are expected to be brought into the site before the date of closure.
As less rubbish is going into the landfill due to recycling and the incinerator at Bernard Road, the contours of the landfill once closed will be different. Some parts of the site will not be filled at all. The plans now include a new valley and wetland area, there will also be fewer trees on the restored site.
Viridor will be submitting a planning application for the revised restoration scheme, in preparation they are undertaking community consultation to ensure that people living and working close to the site, have the opportunity to learn more about the company’s proposals, ask questions and provide feedback on the plans.
Public exhibitions
The first public exhibition was held yesterday at Shirecliffe Community Centre with invitations circulated to those in the surrounding area.
A second event for those that were not able to attend is scheduled for Thursday 13th February between 5pm and 8pm at the same venue (see Public Exhibition of Parkwood Landfill Site).
Feedback received during the consultation process will be fully considered as part of the completion of the planning application which is expected to be submitted in May 2014.
Viridor acquired Parkwood Landfill site from the Duke of Norfolk in 2002. It currently accepts around 240,000 tonnes of waste each year and generates 3MW of electricity from the extraction of methane gas which powers gas engines on site.
Councillor Ibrar Hussain, Labour Councillor (Burngreave ward) said;
“It is brilliant to see that the public has had a chance to comment on these proposals at an early stage. I hope that the people of Shirecliffe welcome and use this opportunity to contribute to creating a green area for the local community and I would encourage anybody who has not been able to attend the event today to come along on the 13th February.”
Hannah Kirkpatrick, Viridor Communications Manager said;
“Engaging with the local community is vital at a site like Parkwood and I am pleased to be able to share our ideas for a lower level restoration plan which will benefit the local community for years to come. We’d like to encourage local residents to join us at one of these exhibitions to discuss the proposals and understand their views.
“It is important to note that the planning application will have no impact on the length of time that the site will be operational with Viridor still working towards closing the site in 2018 with the site being restored by 2020.”
Mike Haworth, Head of Landfill Energy Projects Delivery added;
“The proposed restoration scheme builds upon the diverse existing landscapes of the site and surroundings which include areas of woodland heath, neutral and acid grasslands and features of geological interest. New areas of planting and seeding will establish woodland/scrub and wildflower grassland together with seasonal wetlands, whilst retained woodland and heathland will be managed as prominent and attractive natural features within the local landscape, encouraging biodiversity.”
Further information can be found on Viridor’s website: http://www.viridor.co.uk/our-developments/parkwood/
