Planners to rule on four-year extension for Walsall landfill site this week

Existing permission for Highfields South Landfill on Walsall Road is due to expire on December 31, 2025.

The site’s operator, Enovert, has asked to extend the permission by a further four years, after which it should be completely filled and restored for the public.

The request follows a previous extension of nine years, granted by Walsall Council In 2016.

Walsall Council’s planning officers have recommended that the latest extension request be approved with conditions.

Ward member for Aldridge North and Walsall Wood, Councillor Keith Sears, called for the decision to be made by the planning committee on the grounds of harm to amenities for nearby residents.

The council has received 43 objections to the application over noise, odour and dust, increase in traffic, highway safety and impact on public health.

It also received one comment in support where the proposal is described as a ‘sensible approach’.

Just one statutory consultee has submitted an objection to the plans, citing lack of information on flooding.

As previously reported by the LDRS, a petition was launched in 2019 calling on the Environment Agency (EA) and Walsall Council to ‘stop the horrendous smell from the landfill site’, which gained over 3,600 signatures.

In 2025, Labour Group leader Councillor Matt Ward called on the regulator to investigate after nearby residents reported ‘overpowering egg-like stench’ leading to ‘nausea, headaches, and disrupted sleep’.

At the time the EA confirmed it was investigating Enovert and carrying out odour monitoring surveys.

Enovert said the site is operated in accordance with its environmental permit, and was happy to discuss any concerns with councillors.

The planning committee will meet at 6pm on Thursday, November 27 to decide on the latest application.