The Shelford Landfill Facility in Canterbury has become a source of growing concern for residents, who describe it as an eyesore and a source of noxious odors. The landfill, in operation since 1971, has been criticized for emitting a strong, sulphurous smell, which has affected the quality of life for nearby residents. The issue came to a head at a public meeting organized by the Canterbury Landfill Action Group, where residents from Sturry, Broad Oak, Hales Place, and St Stephen’s voiced their grievances to representatives from the Environment Agency (EA).
Tim Long, chairing the meeting, highlighted the landfill's proximity to Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and questioned whether this was an acceptable state of affairs for the city. He noted that the landfill had grown significantly, causing residents to avoid hanging out washing due to the strong odors. Paul Bennett, an EA manager, attributed the smell to hydrogen sulphide, a gas that can be detected at very low levels. However, the current technology for monitoring hydrogen sulphide is not sensitive enough to detect the levels being emitted by the landfill.
The meeting also brought to light concerns about the EA's engagement with the community. One resident from Hales Place criticized the lack of door-to-door visits by EA representatives, suggesting that the agency's engagement was insufficient. Another resident reported finding small pieces of shredded plastic during community litter picks, which they believed were from the landfill. Mr. Bennett explained that these pieces could be the result of the way plastic is discarded at landfill sites.
Dust was another major issue, with many residents complaining about the amount of HGVs in the area, delivering waste to the landfill or its on-site recycling center. Matthew Higginson from the EA acknowledged the frustration but noted that regulation of vehicle traffic was beyond their remit, falling under the responsibility of Kent County Council (KCC).
The EA is currently reviewing the performance of non-compliant sites, and the Shelford landfill has historically been a poor performer. Residents called for the landfill to be shut down, and concerns were raised about an application for an energy-intensive AI data center near the site, which would be powered by gases produced by the landfill. The application has been called-in to Canterbury City Council's planning committee for a decision.
Shalloak Road resident Roger Rigby expressed his frustration, noting that the smell had become oppressive in the past 12-15 months. He emphasized that the issue was not just a local problem but an eyesore for the entire city of Canterbury, which he had moved to for its historical significance. Cllr Alister Brady from KCC challenged Valencia, the company operating the landfill, to engage in public meetings, highlighting historical failures in addressing resident concerns.
Campaigner Peta Boucher described the smell as sickening and expressed the need for consideration from the company. A Valencia spokesperson defended their operations, stating that they were adhering to planning and permitting requirements and investing in improvements to reduce the site's impact on residents. However, the company's commitment to being a responsible neighbor remains a point of contention among residents, who continue to advocate for the landfill's closure.
