Permit granted for controversial Exeter farm landfill site

The Environment Agency has granted an environmental permit for a proposed landfill site in Whitestone, just outside Exeter, sparking fresh concerns from locals despite the agency’s insistence on “robust environmental protection.”

Following a lengthy public consultation, GRS Stone Supplies Ltd has been given the green light to operate an inert landfill site at Lower Hare Farm. The site will accept waste materials such as soil, rubble, and stone - deemed non-hazardous and non-reactive - and is set to serve construction needs in the region.

Chris James from the Environment Agency said:

“We have carefully considered all of the submissions and feedback we received during our public consultations, and we thank everyone who took the time to contact us with their views.

This permit will ensure that robust levels of environmental protection are applied.”

The permit outlines strict rules for how the site must be operated, including controls around emissions, environmental monitoring, and waste management procedures.

The decision follows sustained local concern over the site's suitability, with residents raising questions about traffic, operating hours and proximity to homes.

However, the Environment Agency made clear it can only assess permit applications based on technical and environmental factors - not planning issues like location or road use, which fall under the jurisdiction of the local planning authority.

The agency confirmed that partner bodies such as the UK Health Security Agency were consulted before making the decision.

The final permit and supporting documents can be accessed via the Environment Agency’s public register or by contacting their customer service centre.

While the decision marks a major step forward for GRS Stone Supplies, campaigners opposed to the landfill have already signalled that the battle over Lower Hare Farm may not be over yet.