A controversial planning application for a landfill just off the A38 at Kennford was unanimously refused by Devon County Council last Wednesday (April 16).

Councillors heard speakers both in favour and against the landfill for around an hour and 20 minutes before reaching their decision.

Councillors were concerned that the proposed landfill would interfere with planned development of the area, which has been earmarked for future housing by Teignbridge District Council.

Additional concerns about road safety on nearby lanes from the increased traffic, the safety of people using public rights of way that cross the site, the fate of ancient hedgerows and the impact on the landscape, particularly around the nearby Peamore Park and Gardens heritage site were also noted.

Last week, Devon County Council’s Planning Manager recommended that the application for a 700,000 cubic metre inert waste and recycling facility on fields at Lower Brenton Farm, home of the Orange Elephant, should be refused due to its ‘unacceptable landscape and visual impact’.

Applicants BT Jenkins have been eyeing up the Kennford site for some years. The firm’s original planning application for a landfill of 1.2 million cubic metres of inert waste and a recycling facility was withdrawn in 2022. BT Jenkins then submitted a revised application in 2023 for a smaller landfill for 700,000 cubic metres of inert waste with a ten-year tenure.

A final decision on the fate of the proposed landfill was due to be made in February. However, it was delayed shortly before the Development Management Committee was due to discuss the matter after BT Jenkins requested additional time to submit more information.

The Clyst St Mary-based earth-moving, plant hire and landfill firm currently operates the Trood Lane recycling and inert landfill site which is about a kilometre away. But this site is nearing the end of its life, having exhausted its permitted capacity. The site at Lower Brenton Farm was intended as a replacement.

BT Jenkins said it had listened to feedback after its original planning submission and had changed its plans in its subsequent planning application in response to the concerns that had been raised.

‘In years to come, the changes to the restored landscape will be barely noticeable,’ said Russell Lowton from BT Jenkins.’ A changing landscape is nothing new, agriculture has shaped Devon’s countryside for millennia,’ he added.

Oppenents to the landfill welcomed the decision saying common sense had finally prevailed.

‘We have been able to protect our unspoiled countryside, public rights of way and the very essence of our village quality of life,’ said Mike Elliot from campaign group Residents Against the Landfill. ‘We are delighted that the Council has recognised that the harm caused by the proposed development would far outweigh any potential benefit of the additional landfill capacity,’ he added.

The controversial planning application had attracted numerous opponents as it has made its way through the planning process. Objections were logged by several hundred individuals or households. A petition opposing the proposed landfill site with 3,325 signatures was presented to Devon County Council in November 2024. Additional objections were also submitted by the parish councils in Exminster, Kenn and Shillingford St George, a local primary school, garden and wildlife groups, cycling and walking groups and Action on Climate Change in Teignbridge.