There are many reasons for objecting to the proposed landfill.
Here are some of the key areas of concern:
Destruction of Natural Devon Countryside
The proposed site is on productive farmland, with rolling hills in a designated Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV). A landfill development should NEVER be approved in such a location.
Threat to Wildlife
Noise, pollution and site disturbance will all take their toll on the local wildlife. Some very rare species live within a short distance of the the proposed site. It is inevitable that local wildlife will be catastrophically affected.
Disruption to Public Rights of Way
Much-used recreational routes will be spoiled by noise, dust and diesel fumes, and irrevocably changed. The safe use and enjoyment of existing footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes will be destroyed. The proposal even includes a gate across one of the footpaths, which is illegal.
Environmental Concerns
Disturbance to the farmland will release CO2 into the atmosphere when top layers of soil are stripped and huge walls of earth are created. Long dry periods could create unwelcome dust storms affecting local villages. During extended periods of rain, run-off from the site could leach into the local water course and add to existing flooding threats.
Road Safety
The entrance to the proposed site is situated on a hazardous bend, crossing a designated cycle route to Exeter. Up to 200 waste lorries will cross this junction every day, adding to over 340 HGV movements from the existing nearby Kenbury Wood landfill site.
Noise and Air Pollution
Site vehicles, waste lorries and a concrete crushing machine will all create noise, diesel fumes and dust pollution in an otherwise peaceful, natural landscape. Noise will also be created by lorry air brakes as they approach the entrance, as well as plant and vehicles reversing on the site and ascending steep gradients.
Not temporary
The proposed timescale for operation of the site is a minimum of 10 years. Other landfill sites in Devon have applied for extensions to their licence and all have been granted.
Unnecessary
This landfill site is not needed because capacity can be met at existing and new sites in the county. Latest figures published by DCC contradict the need assessment included in the proposal, and the recent approval to fill and restore Zig Zag Quarry, near Newton Abbot, will provide recovery of more inert waste than this proposed landfill.