We’re prisoners in our own homes over horrific landfill – our kids can’t play outside & we can’t even have a barbecue
RESIDENTS have said they feel like prisoners in their own homes as developers dig up a horrific landfill site just metres from their gardens.
Families in Coseley, West Mids., are terrified to let their kids play outside and haven't had a barbecue in months as mounds of grey dust loom over their yards.
The former council waste site is being developed to make way for 72 new homes under controversial plans.
And while those living directly nearby the site say noise, mess and a putrid stench have ruined their summer, it is the fear of toxic waste which worries them the most.
Mum-of-two Hollie Brassington told The Sun: “It is a nightmare.
"We have to stay inside and feel like prisoners in our own homes.
"I can't let my kids go into the garden. I don’t want them playing out there.
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"I can't risk them breathing in the fumes, it is too much of a worry, and the dust is horrendous. I’ve never seen dust plumes like it.
"I can’t peg my washing out as it will be covered in dust and have to put it in the tumble dryer on hot sunny days, and I have three loads of washing a day.”
The development, led by Countryside Properties, is taking place on a former open-cast coal mine, which partially pooled over with water before becoming a council landfill site.
And residents say they've endured three months of soil being heaped up at the back of their homes, with diggers and dumper trucks operating every weekday to clear the wasteland.
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Hollie and her husband John Brassington, 26, say they don’t want the development to go ahead because they believe “the land is toxic”.
They are currently locked in a contaminated land row with Dudley District Council and developers and insist the work should stop.
“We fear for our health and people could even die," Hollie said.
“We have no idea what is in all that soil they are disturbing.
"If they carry on excavating there could be tons of asbestos, toxic waste and tannery pollution."
The mum-of-two, who has two small babies, said she was told screens and fences would be put up behind her home to help hide the work, but she says that has not happened.
She also said there is no adequate plan to manage the dust.
If they carry on excavating there could be tons of asbestos, toxic waste and tannery pollution.
Hollie Brassington
Pointing to the 15ft heap of soil dwarfing his 5ft fence, Hollie’s husband, John, said: “All the neighbours have opposed it.
“The work started three or four months ago. We were told nothing, they just off loaded the machinery one day and started moving all the dirt.
“There were 130ft dust plumes, we couldn't put the little ones out, we had to take them in the car to get away."
He added: “We understand the land was a dumping ground for medical waste from the local hospital and asbestos. It is toxic.”
Plans for the affordable new homes on the 6.5 acre site were finally approved by the local council's planning committee in August last year after three previous bids to build on the land failed.
The last application, submitted in 2017, generated a 527-strong petition from residents and 168 letters of objection.
'WE CAN'T LET OUR KIDS OUT'
Planners refused the scheme but its decision was overturned by the Government's Planning Inspectorate in March 2019 after a successful appeal by developers.
New plans were submitted and approved to the fury of locals who fear the site is contaminated with toxic waste embedded in the ground.
One furious resident, Keith Hughes who works from home, said: “I am finding it hard to do my job because from 9am all day there is machinery in the background causing a disturbance.
“The children love playing in the garden but it's been taken away from them over the past couple of months.
“We can’t let our kids go out because the waste ground being drilled into contains dangerous materials and possible asbestos."
Long term campaigner Margret Holden, added: “The noise and dust is awful but our biggest fear is that the land behind is toxic and at one time they were allowed to tip up to 200-odd tons a day into a huge hole.
We’re all up in arms. It’s dusty and smelly and people daren’t put their washing out or let the kids play in the garden."
Sue Webb
“It’s not just an eyesore, it is dangerous because highly toxic waste including metals and asbestos in that ground are being disturbed.
“What happens when the new homes are put up and families move in? Who can stop a youngster digging in the ground? We’re scared for them and for us.”
Margaret’s neighbour and fellow campaigner, Sue Webb, said: “We’re all up in arms. It’s dusty and smelly and people daren’t put their washing out or let the kids play in the garden."
Construction crews are still in the process of readying the land for homes, including flattening and removing vegetation that was home to wildlife.
Margaret told how everything used to be dumped at the land behind her home ranging from plastic shop dummies, fruit machines, hospital beds, medical and factory waste to leaking oil drums, tyres, paint cans, building rubble, wall cladding and polythene.
Even dead chickens, smouldering furniture and blue asbestos were disposed of there - listed on an official council document Margaret has of “details of items tipped."
Responding to the claims, a Countryside spokesperson said: "Countryside has started work to deliver a new development of 72 affordable family homes on Bourne Street in Coseley. As with most large-scale construction projects, the initial phase of the development includes advanced remediation works, which is due to be complete by the end of the year.
“The remediation currently being done is necessary and in accordance with the agreed planning permission to ensure a clean and stable platform is available for the groundworkers to commence their work in October. We encourage anyone impacted by the work to contact our customer service team to relay any concerns.
“The safety of our sites is of utmost importance to us. We are taking all necessary precautions during the excavation process and are carrying out continuous environmental monitoring on site to ensure there is no risk to neighbouring properties.”
They added: “We are making good progress on this development, which will soon become a sustainable community providing much needed affordable housing in the heart of the Black Country.”
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Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member at Dudley Council responsible for planning, said: "The council is continuing to investigate complaints in respect of this site. Further information has been gathered and is being assessed to determine the appropriate course of action.
“In relation to matters which are outside the council’s remit, referrals have also been made to the relevant agencies for their consideration."
