Caulmert’s multi-discipline expertise has supported Rossendale Borough Council to advance its proposal for an urgently needed new waste facility.
Time was of the essence given Lancashire County Council’s announcement that it would no longer use Whinney Hill by April 2026 – the site employed to dispose of the borough’s waste.
That decision meant Farington Recycling Centre in Leyland would remain the only alternative option, but one that would cost approximately £2 million per year given forecasted daily journeys of 60 miles to and from Henrietta Street Waste Transfer Station.
In addition, with the facility unequipped to accommodate the sorting and bulking required under impending new waste management arrangements, Rossendale Borough Council accelerated plans.
Caulmert, which has offices in Bangor, St Asaph, Altrincham, Nottingham, and Kent, drew upon the expert knowledge of its planning and environmental teams to secure the relevant permissions and permits to progress the project in Futures Park, Bacup.
Close collaboration with partners Hughes:O’Hanlon Architects, Betton Consulting, Kilhey Consultancy, and Artec Fire also helped advance the delivery of the scheme.
The consultancy’s civils and structural engineering divisions assisted with the design of the build, considering potential noise pollution, flood risks, and drainage requirements.
Advanced fire suppression systems will also feature on the new site to enhance safety, alongside odour and carbon filtration measures to minimise any environmental impact on the surrounding area.
Once operational, the facility will act as a holding depot, storing and sorting materials in bulk before they are transported to Farington Recycling Centre.
Caulmert associate director of planning Neil Arbon said: “With the council’s planned decision to halt its usage of Whinney Hill, I’m proud of our teams for meeting the client’s needs within the tight timeframes that were set.
“I look forward to seeing the plans come to life as the new centre will have the capacity to stockpile and collate waste in a way that simply wasn’t feasible at the Henrietta Street Waste Transfer Station.
“Thanks to our multi-disciplinary proficiency, we know the Bacup facility will comply with environmental and legal requirements and offers Rossendale Borough Council a modern and financially responsible long-term solution to waste management.”
Earlier plans to upgrade the borough’s waste facility services at Henrietta Street were met with opposition from community members who cited factors such as smell and increased traffic in the centre of town as downsides.
In contrast, it’s expected that relocating the project to the semi-rural Futures Park will help mitigate any potential impact on residents.
Rossendale Borough Council leader Alyson Barnes said: “This has been a difficult and sometimes sensitive issue, and we fully understand why residents wanted clarity and reassurance. After a detailed and transparent assessment, it is clear that this is the right solution for Rossendale.
“It protects essential services, provides long-term value for money, and ensures we can continue delivering reliable waste collections for local people. This decision gives us certainty for the future and allows us to move forward with confidence.
“We’re committed to making decisions that protect frontline services, ensure financial stability and deliver reliable outcomes for residents and the approval of this Waste Transfer Station marks an important step in securing a resilient and future-proof waste service for Rossendale.”
