A LARGE fence is to be built on greenbelt land to screen off a controversial expanded landfill site after scores of complaints from neighbours.

The expansion of Whinney Hill landfill site in Hyndburn has led to bosses at SITA agreeing to put the landscaping and fencing in place.

Lancashire County Council said landfilling was initially expected to begin at the Enfield Quarry part of the site shortly.

But, because that area is near homes and fencing is not yet in place, SITA has agreed to move the next phase of landfilling to another part of the site away from houses.

The site is in the greenbelt but the council said the landscape works were needed to improve the look of the site.

The council said: “The western side of Enfield Quarry is very close to properties in Whalley Road and William Street.

"Planning permission for business and office uses has also been granted on land between Whalley Road and Enfield Quarry.

“A landscaping scheme has now been submitted that will see the construction of a planted screening mound around the north, west and south sides of the quarry to improve visual and acoustic screening for future landfilling operations.

“It is proposed that these landscaping operations would take place this winter.

“If landfilling were to progress directly into Enfield Quarry as currently expected, the landscaping works would not properly screen operations in this area — potentially giving rise to environmental impacts on local residents.”

As part of the recent expansion of the landfill, no more than 1,100 heavy goods vehicles can leave the site between Mondays and Fridays and no more than 120 shall leave the site on Saturdays.

Landfilling can only be completed between 7am and 8pm during the week and 7am and 5.30pm at weekends.