Hartlepool Labour MP Joins Fight to Block Controversial Landfill Expansion...
- teessidetoday
- Feb 20
- 3 min read
Controversial Landfill Site, which has caused misery for local households potentially seeking expansion to extend its lifespan, however the plans have been met considerable criticism from the local community.... & the towns MP.
20th Feb 2025
Residents in Seaton Carew Hartlepool have long voiced their frustrations about the environmental impact of the controversial Seaton Meadows landfill site, where its claimed a proposed expansion of the site has only heightened their concerns. With numerous complaints of odours, dust, and litter persisting for years, the potential for an even larger site has now reportedly sparked opposition from both the local community and the towns Labour MP Jonathan Brash, who's placed on record that he's now firmly against any proposals for the landfill sites possible expansion.
Positive Feedback from the towns MP at a recent Ward Surgery
At a ward surgery held by local councillors earlier this month, its claimed Hartlepool Labour MP Jonathan Brash reinforced his support for local residents living in close proximity to the landfill site, making it clear that he does not support any expansion of the site itself. His chief concerns primarily relate to the site being already nearly full, with only two operational cells remaining. With Mr Brash said to be committed to taking action by writing to DEFRA, Hartlepool Borough Council (HBC) Planning Department, The Planning Inspectorate & The Chief Officer of the Environment Agency...
In the letters HBC exposed has seen Mr Brash stressed that Seaton residents overwhelmingly oppose any potential extension of the site’s planning application. With Mr Brash stating that he would ensure local independent councillor Sue Little is included in all communications, ensuring transparency and collective representation.
Ongoing Complaints and Environmental Concerns
Between January 2024 and January 2025, its claimed over 120 complaints were recorded regarding the Seaton Meadows landfill site. Whilst these figures seem 'modest', residents say that many more complaints have gone unreported due to the inefficiency of the complaint hotline and lack of responsiveness from the relevant authorities.
The key issues raised by residents are said to include:
Unbearable odours – Many locals report foul smells drifting from the landfill, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor spaces or even keep windows open.
Dust pollution – The site generates significant amounts of dust, affecting air quality and cleanliness.
Litter – Waste from the landfill often blows into nearby areas, creating an eyesore and environmental hazard.
To put things into perspective, its claimed the Environment Agency (EA) has recorded sites in the Northeast receiving over 1,000 complaints in a single day—highlighting how the true scale of the issue in Seaton may be significantly under-reported, with HBC Exposed understanding that the Environment Agency recently released a statement on the 19th February stating that they were 'aware' of incidents being reported in regards to 'smells' from a nearby site
The Environment Agency’s Response
The EA has reportedly taken some steps in response to locals concerns, including:
Monitoring dust levels to ensure damping-down measures are followed.
Plans to reinstate protective netting around the site, similar to what was in place before the introduction of the new road.
However, residents are said to be remaining sceptical about the effectiveness of these measures, given the landfill’s persistent & longstanding issues.
HBC’s Responsibility and Call for Action
Many locals feel that Hartlepool Borough Council (HBC) hasn't done enough to address the problems with the issue of the unwanted persistent smells being emitted from local industry in the area . As a local borough council, HBC has the power to enforce stricter regulations and hold landfill operators accountable for the persistent issues affecting the local community, with Residents said to be calling upon Hartlepool Borough Council to take stronger enforcement action against the landfill operators, as well as improving transparency in handling complaints & Commit to preventing any future expansion of the site.
Looking Ahead: Another Battle on the Horizon?
Whilst the landfill expansion remains the primary concern on local residents minds, Many hope that MP Jonathan Brash's weight behind the campaign will ensure that the voices of local residents in regards to the landfill site continue to be heard, with many locals remaining hopeful that their concerns over the controversial site will finally be addressed & that any potential expansion plans for the site are immediately blocked by town officials....
