Disclaimer: The Saxon, Forterra and McCains, industrial sites all come under the FDC Whittlesey South Ward, which I represent, as such I have a duty to keep all residents within the ward and others that may be affected fully informed of any developments or news.
Saxongate Update:
Eastern Buttress extension and Public Health Oversight meeting.
The long-running Eastern Buttressing works are subject to yet another extension request as the completion date will be missed. The operator’s agent Mr Stephen Rice told Whittlesey Town Council at its planning meeting on Monday 27 April 2026 that he was applying for a further 12 months, although he hoped works would be finished sooner.
He acknowledged the project had been subject to numerous extensions already, accepting they were due to finish this August. He cited winter rain and wet weather as the cause for the latest overrun, saying this caused the works to be suspended. There was no mention of the significant odour issues reported in October 2024 which led to CCC issuing a Planning Contravention Notice (PCN) for incorrect material used in the capping layer.
We think this led to a project delay as works were halted for the investigation.
There was no opportunity for the public to ask questions directly.
The last planning extension was granted on 25 January 2023. Delays then from the previous 2020 permission were blamed on the Covid pandemic. At the time Councillors were assured the applicant was confident of completing in the time requested.
At that meeting Councillor Neil Gough noted the amount of inert waste needed to complete the project. He noted, supported by the planning officer’s calculation, that based on 16–20 tons per vehicle, 2,500 trips/loads and 50 trips a day, only 50 days would be needed to bring in all the material needed. Saxongate always felt a project like this should take 2–3 years in total.
It has actually been running 23 years and it has been almost 10 years since the current owner took over. The project has also become more complex due to the large amount of non-conforming waste dumped in the buttress at some point, which remains subject to a criminal investigation and now needs lifetime monitoring having been approved to be left in situ by the Environment Agency.
Had questions been allowed, Saxongate would have pushed on the degree to which the Planning Contravention Notice had delayed progress. We would also have asked for clarification on drainage into the Kings Dyke and the lack of any approval from the Middle Level, which we understand is a legal requirement. Also, for the status of the proposed attenuation pond and reed beds for improved filtration, which featured on this and other applications.
We have suggested that a liaison group should be set up for these extended works, and that the town and district council should request that as a condition of any new planning application. It seems odd that liaison groups have been proposed for the Southern Buttress works and the metal recycling project, neither of which have commenced operation, but there is nothing for the long-running Eastern Buttress, which has been subject to proven complaints as noted above.
We will continue to monitor the situation based on the data in the public domain.
In other news, Saxongate and other residents attended the first Public Health Oversight Group meeting. This group has been formed to deliver the public health recommendations for Saxon Pit and to better understand any cumulative impact on residents from industrial operations in that area. The group also includes the Forterra site. The operators were well represented. Key elements are enhanced dust and water monitoring. In addition, there will be a residents’ survey to consider the lived experience and any impacts on health and wellbeing.
Strong engagement from residents will be critical and we will keep you all informed when any survey comes out. For now, budgets, purchasing, equipment and resources are being put in place by the council to facilitate the process. We will keep you well informed as this develops.
We have issues with some elements of the public health meeting process and with the EA water permit, but overall, this is a significant improvement, having a large group focused on validating and resolving issues. The balance is that new works are due to start soon, Southern Buttress and IBA metal recycling, the Eastern Buttress works are extending another 12 months, and we think there is a strong possibility that Johnsons Aggregates and Recycling Ltd may appeal the planning decision which rejected their expansion plans.
Please continue to report and log any issues you experience. This information is essential in supporting regulatory oversight and ensuring concerns are properly evidenced. With your help, we will keep working with the authorities to push for the best possible outcomes for our community.
Saxongate Residents Group.
We also need to keep growing our membership so do pass on our details. People can contact us on this email or via Facebook if they wish to join :-
https://www.facebook.com/SaxonGatePE7 or email saxongate2022@gmail.com
If you suffer any noise, smells or dust please do still report it to the Environment Agency 24/7 on 0800 80 70 60. The Environment agency has also set up a new Engagement HQ for Saxon Pit and Forterra. Hopefully that will grow over time with more information and updates (link below) It has not been updated for a few weeks.
You can register for updates from them on the page:-
PE7 1PJ, East Midlands Waste Management Limited, EPR/CP3723LV/A001: environmental permit consultation – Environment Agency – Citizen Space
You can also email Fenland District Council envhealth@fenland.gov.uk
or call 01354 654321. See = https://www.fenland.gov.uk/nuisance for Noise, smoke, smell or light problems.
If you have any photos or videos or logs of issues (from your homes, gardens, roads or public land) please let us know and share them with us.
