The Environment Agency (EA) has served a suspension notice on the operator of the Seaton Meadows landfill, preventing any new waste from being deposited at the site until it meets the tipping levels set out in its environmental permit. The decision, which allows only the processing of existing material, has been met with relief by local councillors and residents who have campaigned for action for several years.
Residents say relief is badly needed
Seaton councillors Leisa Smith and Sue Little have been among those raising concerns about odours and dust drifting from the landfill on Brenda Road. Councillors and residents say the problems have affected daily life in parts of Seaton, with some households reportedly unable to open windows at times because of the smells.
“We are over the moon. It has been an absolute headache for as many years as I’ve been a councillor. The smells are ridiculous. In the summer, and even in the winter, there are areas of Seaton that can’t open their windows.”
Cllr Smith also highlighted the nuisance caused by dust settling on homes and vehicles, adding: "As residents we shouldn’t have to put up with that." Cllr Little said residents would still observe on‑site activity as operators work to level material, but described the suspension as "the best news we've had in the last two years."
What the suspension means
The notice requires operator SMLF Ltd to comply with the agreed tipping levels contained in the site’s environmental permit. While new waste deliveries are barred for the time being, the operator may continue to handle and process material already at the site.
- Suspension lasts until: 9 January (the notice’s stated end date)
- Operator appeal window: Two months from the notice being served
- Immediate effect: No new waste to be deposited until compliance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Site | Seaton Meadows Landfill, Brenda Road |
| Operator | SMLF Ltd |
| Regulator | Environment Agency |
| Notice expiry | 9 January |
| Appeal period | Two months |
Environment Agency response and next steps
Gary Wallace, area environment manager for the EA, said the regulator had taken "decisive action" in response to community concerns, adding the agency was committed to ensuring the landfill was completed safely and appropriately and would take further action if required.
The suspension focuses on ensuring the site adheres to its permitted tipping profile and that operations do not exacerbate impacts on neighbouring communities. Cllrs Smith and Little say they will work with residents to form a community group aimed at resisting further such facilities being sited around Seaton.
Local impact and what residents can do
For residents who have reported odour and dust, the suspension offers a measure of immediate reassurance, although on‑site activity to reprofile existing waste may remain visible. Those affected should continue to document incidents and report them to the Environment Agency to help build a clear record should problems persist.
- Keep a log of times and descriptions of odour or dust events.
- Photograph dust deposits on property or vehicles where possible.
- Report incidents to the Environment Agency and share reports with local councillors.
The suspension notice is time‑limited and SMLF Ltd has the right to appeal. If an appeal is lodged, the matter may return to regulatory or legal processes. In the meantime, the action marks a notable regulatory intervention in response to long‑running local complaints.
