Agenda and draft minutes

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To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 29 April 2026.

RESOLVED – that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 29 April 2026 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To review and reconfirm the Terms of Reference for the Environment Scrutiny Committee for the 2026/27 municipal year.

The Managing Solicitor: Property & Commercial presented the Environment Scrutiny Committee Terms of Reference for the 2026/27 municipal year.

Members heard that each council Committee had been granted delegated authority to approve their own terms of reference at the Annual Council Meeting in May 2026.

It was noted that there were no proposed changes.

RESOLVED – that the Terms of Reference set out in Appendix A of the

report be approved.

To approve the draft work programme for the 2026/27 municipal year.

The Managing Solicitor: Property & Commercial presented the draft Environment Scrutiny Committee Work Programme for the 2026/27 municipal year.

The proposed work programme spanned across a period of two years to offer flexibility and to accommodate ad hoc items. The work programme featured several standing items, including an update on the Council’s plan for Climate Change and Adaptation, and the Shropshire Good Food Annual Update.

The Managing Solicitor: Property & Commercial explained that several new items were included in the work programme for the 2026/27 municipal year following a period of consultation which included Building Safety and Dangerous Structures, a workshop on Grounds and Cleansing and the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Recreation Strategy.

RESOLVED – that the work programme for 2026/27 be approved.

To receive an update on the management of landfill operations across the borough.

The Head of Neighbourhood Enforcement provided an update on landfill management across the Borough, with particular focus on activity undertaken by the Council in relation to Granville Landfill (locally referred to as Redhill Landfill) since the previous update to Committee presented in February 2025.

The report outlined the respective responsibilities of the Council and the Environment Agency (EA) in relation to active landfill sites. In particular, the EA remained the primary regulator of active landfill operations, while the Council, in its role as Local Planning Authority, was responsible for ensuring compliance with planning conditions.

Members were advised that the site had been operational since 1991 and had been managed by Potters (Midlands) Ltd since 2019. The site accepted a range of non-hazardous domestic and commercial waste streams and operated under an Environmental Permit issued by the EA.

The report explained that, as with all active landfill sites, the decomposition of biodegradable waste generates landfill gas and has the potential to cause environmental impacts, including odour. Consequently, at the time of the meeting, the site was subject to ongoing regulation, monitoring and inspection.

The report acknowledged concerns raised by residents regarding odour, particularly during 2024, which prompted the EA to undertake a significant programme of monitoring and regulatory activity.

The report confirmed that the Council continues to undertake local monitoring, respond to residents’ complaints and share information with regulatory partners.

Members heard that the Local Authority had helped to build a clearer understanding of local impacts and support evidence-based discussions regarding the management of the site. The report also highlighted the challenges associated with investigating landfill odour, which had often been intermittent and influenced by factors such as weather conditions, wind direction, and landfill gas management. As a result, the development of a robust evidence base required ongoing monitoring and assessment over a period of time.

The report further noted that the EA had required the operator to introduce enhanced landfill gas abstraction measures to help manage emissions from the site. Although odours had been detected, investigations undertaken to date did not identify sufficient evidence to demonstrate the existence of a statutory nuisance.

The Committee heard that the management of landfill sites presented ongoing challenges, including those associated with odour, landfill gas and leachate management. Members were advised that weather conditions and atmospheric changes could significantly influence both emissions and the investigation of complaints. These risks were managed through environmental permitting, planning controls and regular monitoring and inspection.

Looking ahead, the report noted that the Council would continue to work closely with the EA, residents, local ward members and the site operator. Ongoing odour monitoring and community engagement would continue, alongside consideration of additional environmental monitoring technology to strengthen the available evidence base.

Responding to questions raised on whether the Council felt that stronger regulation was needed in respect of Granville Landfill and at what stage would it step in, the Head of Neighbourhood Enforcement advised that the Council continues to consider and investigate concerns relating to potential statutory nuisances and  ...  view the full minutes text for item ENVSC5

The Chair thanked Members for their attendance and participation in the meeting.

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The meeting ended at 6.35 pm