Canterbury - Watchlist site 24

Approximately 20,000 tonnes of waste was dumped illegally across a former highways depot and tannery waste lagoons at a site in Swanton Lane, Canterbury. The site is also an illegal traveller encampment which is being enforced by Canterbury City Council’s Planning Department.

There are a number of problems caused by the waste on watchlist site 24 that are likely to have an impact on the local community and environment. These include odour, visual impact and water or drainage concerns.

The Environment Agency obtained a Restriction Order from the Magistrates’ Court in August 2024 and we have applied to extend this every 6 months to stop further waste being tipped.

We continue to monitor the restriction order to ensure that no breaches occur.

Canterbury City Council is leading on planning breaches for the illegal traveller encampment. 

We have received interest from the community, media and the elected member for the area and have kept them all informed as our investigation has progressed.