Will Droppingwell tip reopen? Council seeks evidence from public

The road into the Kimberworth land is shared with Millmoor Juniors Football Club but there is confusion over some aspects of the access.

The land is owned by Rotherham Council, whose position is that tip operators Grange Landfill have evidence to back the claim that they have a right to use this way in and out.

But Droppingwell Action Group is building a case that this can be blocked — effectively ending the chance of waste being dumped resuming on the land, which was left to nature after a 1990s public inquiry.

In response to criticism, RMBC made three pledges at the full council meeting in April, one of which was asking for more information from the public.

Phillip Horsfield, assistant director of legal services, said: “The council is inviting anyone with additional information on the use of the accessway to provide this to the council.

“A legal assessment of any additional information will then take place to ensure that all information has been taken into account when considering these complex legal issues.”

Tipping is thought to have dated back as far as 1929 but the current planning permission was given in the 1950s.

A permit variation being granted by the Environment Agency in 2016 opened the door for Grange to resume using the tip for up to 205,000 tonnes of waste a year.

The council’s call for evidence will remain open until June 12.

Residents can email [email protected] or write to Sam Barstow, Riverside House, Main Street, Rotherham S60 1AE.

Hand-delivered items will also be accepted, the council has said.