Wrexham Council in the UK has issued a temporary stop notice following resident claims that significant quantities of rubble, described by locals as "low-grade demolition waste" and containing materials like "bits of old toilets," tar, and lead batteries, are being dumped on land in the village of Coedpoeth without planning permission. Residents expressed frustration, with one local, Tom Lawson, stating that he believed the responsible parties might abandon the site, leaving the public to bear the cleanup costs.
Wrexham-based company SOS Aggregates, which owns the Coedpoeth site, stated it was depositing "grade 1A fill material" to create a plateau for an equine arena, which would then be landscaped. A company spokesman denied continuing work after the stop notice was issued, asserting that operations resumed only after the order expired. The company also indicated plans to submit a planning application imminently and seek legal counsel, while promising to provide the Natural Resources Wales (NRW) with evidence of the materials used.
Concerns extend to another site on the edge of the nearby village of Minera, where dozens of lorries have reportedly deposited materials described by a local councillor as "reeking of diesel." Caravans have also been observed on this site, located opposite a residential cul-de-sac. The farmland in Minera was sold approximately two months ago, and the council has confirmed no planning application has been submitted for any development. SOS Aggregates acknowledged delivering recycled construction material to the Minera site but stated it was not involved in the ongoing work and did not own the land. Wrexham Council has served a temporary stop notice for the Minera site due to "a breach of planning control and the change of use of the land to a gypsy and traveller site with associated engineering operations."
NRW has stated it is investigating the materials present at the sites and will take appropriate action if necessary. The council has also indicated it will serve enforcement notices to ensure the land is restored to its original condition.