Green light for extension to tip

United Downs is one of two main landfills taking domestic rubbish

A controversial landfill site in Cornwall has been given the go-ahead to be expanded.

Villagers at St Day, near Redruth, have waged a long-running campaign against the United Downs tip.

But an operating permit has now been issued by the Environment Agency to allow County Environmental Services Limited to continue using the site.

Chris Cottle, who lives on the road leading to the dump, said the decision had come as a real blow.

Domestic rubbish

"Had we known about this when we were looking for property, we wouldn't have bought anything in Carharrack," he said.

"We purchased our house in 1996 and the landfill site had about two years to run on it.

"We thought 'that's great, we can bear it for a couple of years and then things will improve', but in fact they are going to get worse."

United Downs is one of two main landfills taking Cornwall's domestic rubbish.

Monitoring regime

Facilities to dump commercial waste had been put on hold pending the decision as the tip was nearly full.

But after public consultation and advice from health experts, the agency has granted a new Pollution, Prevention and Control permit.

The agency said a new monitoring regime would ensure that the waste company complied with the conditions of the permit.

People interested in viewing the permit and decision document can do so at Carrick District Council's Truro offices, through Gwennap Parish Council or online at the Environment Agency's website.