Lower Hare Farm Landfill

We regulate landfill sites to help protect people, wildlife and the environment from pollution.

In April 2025, we issued GRS Stone Supplies Ltd with an environmental permit to operate an inert landfill site at Lower Hare Farm, Whitestone, near Exeter.

We know local people raised concerns about the proposal, including the stability of the site and the risk of sediment entering nearby watercourses. We considered every response carefully and used the information provided to assess the application.

Our decision was based on the available evidence and the legal requirements we must follow. After completing our assessment, we found no evidence-based grounds to refuse the permit.

GRS Stone Supplies Ltd has now applied to vary its environmental permit. You can find more information about the proposed changes and how to take part in the consultation on our News Feed.

The permit allows GRS to accept soil, stones, bricks, tiles and ceramics at the Lower Hare landfill site. These could come from sources like construction and demolition sites and gardens and parks. Their permit only allows the site to accept inert waste. 

How often do we visit and inspect?

The number of visits are decided on a risk assessed basis depending on what activities are taking place on site and previous site inspections. 

What does an inspection involve?

Experienced Regulation Officers follow a structured approach to assess site compliance:

• Desktop Review: Officers begin by reviewing the site permit and GRS's records. This includes examining Compliance Assessment Report (CAR) Forms, if there are any, and any previously issued warning letters or enforcement notices.
• Inspection Planning:  An inspection is scheduled in coordination with the GRS site manager to ensure access and clarity on the scope of the visit. We can also carry out unannounced inspections.
• On-Site Inspection: Officers conduct a thorough walkthrough of the site, assessing:
• Permit compliance
• Asset maintenance
• Quality and characteristics of the surface water run off
• Environmental Impact Assessment: The discharge location and receiving watercourse are inspected for visual signs of pollution, including indicators such as discoloration, or debris.

What do we do if we find anything wrong?

Compliance Assessment Form (CAR):

A CAR form is completed following the inspection. The CAR form outlines the findings of the inspection and is uploaded to the public register for transparency. If we find something wrong during a site visit this is detailed in the CAR form.

Non-Compliance Actions:

• If any permit breaches are identified, they are formally recorded on the CAR.
• Officers set compliance actions and deadlines for GRS to address the issues.
• These actions aim to improve operations and bring the site back into full compliance.

How would we adapt our regulation if we suspect something is wrong?

If we found a problem, our Regulatory Officers will work closely with GRS to rectify any identified issues. We would instruct GRS to remove or contain any pollutants promptly.

Escalation & Enforcement:

If the pollution is serious or prolonged, we can escalate the response. Enforcement actions may include:

• Serving a Notice
• Issuing a Warning Letter
• Prosecution, depending on the severity and duration of the breach