Biffa announced yesterday (26 July) its plans to end landfill operations at its Houghton-le-Spring quarry in Sunderland, within the next five years.

The company’s proposal – if approved – will see the site become an industrial park with trade counters and office space for small businesses. The new industrial park could create dozens of jobs, according to Biffa.

The announcement is a departure from Biffa’s original application to extend their landfill activities through 2028 – a move that attracted local concern.

“Earlier in 2012, we submitted plans to continue general waste landfill activities at Houghton-le-Spring quarry until 2028. One reason for this was the reduction of waste going to landfill meaning the site would take longer to fill than originally anticipated”, said Jeff Rhodes, Biffa’s company planning and permitting manager.

“Whilst we were aware of local concerns over the plans, we could not simply cease operations at the site and leave the void empty so we are therefore proposing an alternative use which we hope will be more acceptable to the local community.”

If the proposal goes through according to plan, general waste landfilling at the site could end 16 years earlier than expected, with the landfill being covered over with soil and turned into a flat surface for development.

Biffa will soon apply to the Sunderland City Council for approval of its development plans, and to the Environment Agency for modification of its environmental permit. Formal public consultation will take place after the proposal has cleared the council and Environment Agency.