Landfill extension at Enovert North Limited, Highfields South Landfill, Walsall Wood

The site and its surroundings

The quarry covers about 12 hectares in the Green Belt, near homes, a hotel, open land, a former landfill and the completed Vigo Utopia site.

“Site and surroundings A site visit was carried out on 29th October 2025. Highfields South Quarry covers approximately 12 hectares of land located south of the A461 Lichfield Road, approximately 40m north of Shelfield and part of the West Midlands Green Belt. The surrounding uses are mixed with residential property to the west and open land to the north. Immediately northeast is the Barons Court Hotel beyond which is an apartment block.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions extended landfill completion to 31 December 2025 and approved an updated ecological management plan.

“12/0926/FL: Revised proposals for the installation of plant for the management and recovery of energy from landfill gas to produce electricity. Grant Permission Subject to Conditions 13/9/12. 15/1403: Screening opinion to extend the landfill completion until 31/12/25. Environmental Statement not required 9/10/15.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the extension would enable completion of the approved landfill, restoration, habitats, landscaping and public access.

“The additional 4-years to allow the completion of the approved scheme of landfill and restoration, are proposed to achieve the following outcomes. Enable the progressive implementation and delivery of the approved restoration and landscaping scheme to re-instate the former quarry workings, creating a visually attractive and diverse landscape which integrates into the local area and provides a resource with a variety of habitats of ecological value together with public…”

“Ensure a continuing supply of landfill capacity to meet the identified landfill needs of the Black Country during the remaining plan period, as identified in the Black Country Core Strategy (BCCS) and Walsall’s Unitary Development Plan (UDP) and Site Allocation Document (SAD) policies.”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Forty-three objections cited noise, odour, dust, health, traffic, highway safety, insects, vermin and the length of the works, while one comment supported the proposal.

“Objections 43 comments received (some from the same person/address) objecting to proposal for the following reasons: Noise odour and dust The site is regulated by an Environmental Permit, and the granting authority Environment Agency regularly monitor the site for any breaches, planning conditions already require the operators to use water to control dust on the site when necessary and planning conditions are attached to ensure that levels of noise are controlled within…”

“Objection to the extra 4 years application • Residents should not have to endure this tip which smells strongly near their homes • Unable to open doors/windows Odour complaints are dealt with as part of the monitoring of the site by the Environment Agency and no breaches of the Environmental Permit have been found following monitoring of the site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A councillor spoke against the application, while the applicant and the company’s chief executive spoke in support.

Members’ discussion

Members questioned officers about the expiry date and what would happen to the site if permission was not granted.

“There followed a period of questions to officers. The Group Manager (Planning) explained that the permission was due to expire on 31 December, 2025, and if permission was not granted, all works would need to cease and the site would remain in its existing state at the time of expiry.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee decided by majority to delegate approval, secure future public access through a legal agreement and allow no further restoration extension after 2029.

“Following a period of debate, it was moved by Councillor M. Statham and seconded by Councillor Bird and upon being put to the vote it was;”

“Resolved (by majority) That Planning Committee delegate to the Head of Planning & Building Control to grant planning permission for application 25/0855 subject to conditions and Section 106 agreement to secure public access to the site once restored and no further extensions of time for the completion of the site restoration by the 31 December 2029, and subject to: No new material considerations being received. The amendment and finalising of conditions. 3.”

Minutes