PRESS RELEASE

Cory Environmental to withdraw Laybrook landfill proposal

After careful consideration of the current situation regarding waste disposal in West Sussex, Cory Environmental has decided not to proceed with its planning application for a landfill site at Laybrook Brickworks Quarry.

John Boldon, Director of Planning and Estates for Cory, stated: “Cory Environmental has been carefully reviewing the landfill proposals at Laybrook in the context of its other development opportunities nationally. The decision to withdraw the planning application has been taken in the light of this review and after having regard to diminishing Government support for landfill. At a national level there are increasing pressures to move away from the disposal of waste by landfill to the management of waste by other means. In recognising this change many counties are faced with a dilemma as to how best to deal with their waste. This is certainly the case in West Sussex where there is a desire to move waste away from landfill, but the County Council’s own estimates show a shortfall in capacity to deal with residual waste for many years to come.”

John continued: “West Sussex County Council is currently addressing the fact that it does not have a cohesive and supported policy framework for waste management in the County. This is to be achieved through the preparation of its Waste Development Framework. In such a circumstance Cory has decided to redirect its resources into considering the best strategic use of the Laybrook site in the context of emerging policy, both locally and nationally, rather than pursuing the current proposal for a 21 year landfill. With this in mind, the company plans to work with the County Council to see how best it can assist in meeting its objectives for new facilities.”

Malcolm Ward, Chief Executive of Cory Environmental, further commented: “Cory has extensive experience of constructing and operating a range of recycling and waste management facilities, providing essential services to local authorities and businesses across the UK. We are a long established company whose success is founded on being responsive to changing circumstances. This is reflected in our stance at Laybrook. Whilst we will not pursue the proposed 21 year landfill scheme, West Sussex will remain a vital area for us to consider opportunities for new waste management infrastructure. I feel that this will be in the best interests of all concerned.”

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Chris Brown, Communications Manager – Planning

Telephone: 020 7417 5296   Mobile:        07885 329592

Email:         cbrown@coryenvironmental.co.uk

Notes for Editors

Background information on the proposals

·      The Laybrook Brickworks Quarry landfill site plans would have seen the void created by the continuing removal of clay for use in the brickworks restored to a mix of agricultural land, woodland, wetland and nature conservation habitats. This was to have been achieved through landfilling the void using 4.1 million tonnes of residual, non-hazardous waste over 21 years.

·      There is a considerable need for waste treatment and disposal capacity. Laybrook Quarry was originally identified by West Sussex County Council in its draft Waste Local Plan as a site for non-inert landfill.

·      In terms of geology and hydrogeology the Laybrook site is well suited for waste disposal, due to the considerable thickness of naturally occurring low permeability clay under the site coupled with the absence of any significant groundwater body.

·      Even with the targeted increases in recycling and the emergence of other planned recycling and disposal facilities there will remain a substantial shortfall in West Sussex’s required landfill capacity.

·      Cory Environmental, working with Ibstock Brick, has undertaken many detailed studies and assessments as well as local public consultation on the plans.

Background to Cory Environmental

·      Cory Environmental, one of the UK’s leading recycling, waste management and energy recovery companies, operates across the country and employs over 1000 people at over 30 sites. It provides a wide range of integrated services from street cleansing and municipal waste collection to recycling, transfer and disposal. Cory’s services have been recognised with a number of awards for sustainable transport, the management of facilities and city cleanliness.