VILLAGERS who objected to plans to build 100 new homes on the outskirts of Lowestoft will meet the developers and environmental experts this week to discuss concerns over waste soil on the site.
VILLAGERS who objected to plans to build 100 new homes on the outskirts of Lowestoft will meet the developers and environmental experts this week to discuss concerns over waste soil on the site.
Work started on the development off Ullswater in Carlton Colville, near Lowestoft, this summer but some people living near the site are now concerned that waste soil from an old landfill site next to the building plots is being disturbed.
The new estate will border open land which was once used as landfill and will be left undisturbed. However some neighbours have said that waste soil from the development is being piled on top of the former landfill area, which could lead to soils from both areas mixing and then being used to infill the building plots.
Officers from the Environment Agency have already been to look at the site and on Friday, they will meet the developers, residents and local MP Bob Blizzard to discuss the removal and disposal of the soil.
Nick Jack, who lives on Ullswater, said: 'Apparently the reason the soil has not been removed is that they are waiting for the material to be classified so they can decide which landfill will accept it. It therefore appears that the material cannot be tipped because it may not be safe, but it can be stored next to peoples' homes.'
A spokesman for developer Persimmon Homes said that the pile of waste soil on the site is part of remedial works which are being carried out in accordance with the planning permission.
She said: 'We will be meeting the Environment Agency this week. We are still on track to move the soil as planned.'
An Environment Agency spokesman said: 'Two of our officers have already visited the site. They inspected and at that time, the mound of soil from the landfill area was being kept in the middle of the site, separate from other soils in readiness for removal.
'At that time, we had no concerns over any risk to the environment from the soil as it was contained in one place, but we are in contact with the development company to discuss storage and removal.'
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