Wetherby Watchlist site 113
The Site
This site at Wetherby, Yorkshire has planning permission to build a barn and a noise bund, with approval to import specified amounts of soil, stone and some construction waste for construction purposes.
However, from May 2025, household waste was also brought onto watchlist site number 113 and buried. The type and quantity of waste accepted exceeded what was authorised. Therefore, the large-scale burying of waste was contrary to the official permissions and exemptions in place.
The problem
Leeds City Council’s environmental crime team reported concerns with high volumes of heavy goods vehicles and mud on the road. Leachate pools have also been observed from the buried organic waste.
The action we’ve taken
The site operators and landowners have been instructed to stop the importation of waste following concerns regarding suspected unauthorised waste activities. The Environment Agency, led by the Waste Regulatory Team for Leeds, Bradford & Craven has engaged with the landowner to discuss options for remediation and the removal of waste from the site.
Our officers are continuing to monitor the site and work with the landowner to ensure removal of the illegally deposited waste and restoration of the land. We are also assessing any environmental risks and considering what enforcement action is appropriate in line with policies and procedures.