Lutterworth Watchlist site 135

The Environment Agency and Natural England are investigating reports of the unauthorised dumping of close to 30,000 tonnes of shredded, mixed general household and commercial waste on a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) in Lutterworth, Leicestershire.  

While the waste remains on site, potential impacts include foul odours, the effects of a fire were one to occur, pollution of nearby waterways and blockage of drains. Given the status of the site as an SSSI, the waste also may pose a risk of harm to a rare reed species, and some of the best remaining areas of neutral marsh habitat, which are features of the SSSI.

A dedicated group of organisations has been at work to investigate and take action to minimise any harmful effects, to prevent future deposits of waste and to identify and hold those responsible to account.

The Environment Agency has been monitoring this site for any environmental impacts. We can confirm that we have not identified any impacts on nearby watercourses, outside the site. 

The local authority has carried out multiple visits to the site to check for offensive smells, but has not identified any concerns. It has also put up signs to deter unauthorised access to the site to safeguard the habitat. The Fire and Rescue Service has also attended and assessed the site for fire risk.

Working together with our partners, we are continuing our investigation to identify those responsible and hold them to account. In August 2026, an individual suspected of being involved was arrested. We will monitor the situation while our enquiries are ongoing. We expect to determine the next appropriate course of action once we have completed our investigation.