Nelson homes site plagued by fly-tippers for 'fifth time'

Pictures show needles strewn across the site, as well as what looks like discarded household furniture and other rubbish.

Timber fences appear to have been pulled down, and fencing removed.

The fly tip in Nelson (Image: Social media)

The piece of land, in Charles Street, Nelson, had outline planning permission granted for 140 new homes in May 2023, with a reserved matters application to be submitted in due course by developers.

Gary Lawlor, of Foxfield Developments, lodged plans with Pendle Council in November 2022 for the former Riverside Mill site and land bordering it near Reedyford Road.

The land used to contain a number of industrial buildings, now largely demolished, with some chimney structures remaining on site.

READ MORE: Plans for 140 homes in Nelson approved

Mr Lawlor's clients now have around two and a half years in which to submit a full reserved matters planning application, meaning building on the site may not commence until May 2026; but this could be earlier, or even later depending on how the application progresses.

The fly tip in Nelson (Image: Social media)

Mr Lawlor said this was the fifth time waste had been dumped at the site, despite his company erecting fences to prevent people from entering, damaging, or contaminating the area.

He said: "Our clients have owned the site for two years and have spent that time getting the outline consent in place.

"We are now working on the reserved matters and have had to carry out a full investigation of the site.

"We completed this just before Christmas and are starting to talk to development partners and approved housing bodies. 

"I checked with the clients, and this has happened five times since they bought the site and each time they have had to clean it up.

"Some of the other residents have taken the number plates of the repeat offenders and issued them to the council, but no action has been taken.

"We feel once the site has moved to construction stage the problem will be resolved but in the meantime the support and patience from the residents is appreciated."

One resident living nearby claims the site has been plagued by fly-tippers for more than 10 years, with the rubbish cleared, and then dumped again.

The resident said: “I can't actually believe this has been like this for over 10 years.

“The residents surrounding this site have had enough.

“They’ve been promised countless development proposals, and nothing has ever come to fruition.

“The residents should not have to put up with this waste accumulating year-on-year.

“Sufficient stable fencing is the least of expectations.”

The fly tip in Nelson, with discarded needles (Image: Social media)

Concerns have also been expressed about a potential risk of fire, or burning of the waste, similar to incidents that have occurred at the former V10 Polymers site in Blackburn, which was also earmarked for development, but has stood empty for years, with plans seemingly stalled.

READ MORE: Owner of fire hit V10 Polymers site ordered to clear it

Mr Lawlor added: “Our representatives will be on site this week to organise a clean-up and reinstate the fence again.”

A spokesperson for Pendle Council said: "This is private land. Pendle Borough Council is aware of the condition of the land and is currently taking action with the landowners to improve it."