Traffic and noise among concerns for residents against proposed new landfill

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

A proposed proposed landfill near Oxford in North Canterbury could create problems with noise and traffic and have a negative ecological impact, concerned residents say.

About 400 submissions were received in response to resource consent applications lodged last year by Woodstock Quarries with Environment Canterbury (ECan), and a land use consent with the Waimakariri District Council, to develop a landfill at 513 Trig Rd, View Hill, northwest of Oxford.

The company was proposing to expand an existing hard rock quarry and to establish and operate a new solid waste management and disposal facility for the disposal of construction and demolition waste, contaminated soils and special wastes.

A joint hearing to consider the consent application, and the 400 submissions, was due to be held in late March by ECan and the Waimakariri District Council.

ECan councillor Claire McKay said staff were still working through the submissions, but traffic, noise, amenity and recreational values, and ecological impact were dominant themes.

“Residents have the opportunity to further present their concerns as part of an upcoming hearing.”

The hearing will be held before a panel of independent commissioners, and will include evidence and viewpoints presented by the applicant, submitters, and reporting officers.

Once the hearing is completed, the commissioners will have 15 working days to make and announce their decision.

Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said the council respected the process surrounding resource consents, but did not endorse the landfill application.


“Council provided funding to the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board so they could make a detailed submission opposing the landfill.

“I believe Kate Valley was created to take this type of material and it is our view there is no requirement for another site in Oxford.”

ECan is also processing a resource consent application from Darwin Earthworks Ltd to extract gravel from the Okuku River.

“We need to take the time to fully understand the potential environmental effect of this resource consent application,” council consents planning manager Aurora Grant said.

“We want the best outcome for the environment and the community.”

No decision has been made on whether to notify the Okuku River application.