Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Plastic Recycling in Leamington Environmental Impact 2025-05-14

14 May 2025 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington

Local GovernmentEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Matt Western raised concerns about plastic recycling in leamington environmental impact 2025-05-14 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the environmental impact of a recycling plant on a residential area in Leamington Spa
  • Residents report inability to sleep, play outside, and eat due to fly and odour issues
  • Planner approval by the previous Conservative Government and local council is critiqued for poor site use consideration

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington

I will, if I may, start by encouraging you, Madam Deputy Speaker, to imagine being in your own home and unable to eat with your family... This is a case of desperately poor planning legislation—approved by the last Conservative Government and locally by a Conservative council—with a new light industrial estate built off a road that is one of the main arteries of south Leamington. The planning issue is not so much in the approval of the building of light industrial sheds—we see them all over the place—but in the failure to realise that a commercial use of the site, such as for recycling food packaging, would have a significant impact on a residential area... My constituents cannot sleep. Their children cannot play outside. They cannot eat without being swarmed by flies and engulfed in disgusting smells.

Other contributors (2)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    I commend the hon. Gentleman for securing this debate on behalf of his constituents.

  • Mary Creagh Lab Wakefield

    Acknowledges the comprehensive response given by Matt Western and emphasises the need for regulatory activity focused on progress rather than just activity. Urges officials to take clear and unambiguous action.

Government Response

Not provided in the transcript

The minister's response is not included in the given text, as it appears to be a speech by Matt Western outlining the issue and concerns without concluding with a government reply. The debate would typically conclude with a comprehensive answer from a relevant Minister addressing the points raised. I acknowledge the distressing situation faced by residents due to fly and odour issues from a recycling plant in Leamington Spa. The Government and Environment Agency are committed to ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Recent actions include site inspections, implementation of an odour management plan, and engaging with local residents for monitoring. Ongoing investigations continue to address odour reports. Further steps will involve regular updates on the plant's activities and potential involvement of the Health and Safety Executive if necessary. I cannot pass judgment on any permitted operator as it could prejudice ongoing or potential enforcement actions. My hon. Friend has received a letter from the Environment Agency which I have seen. The focus must shift to making progress with issues such as fly and odour pollution. I will keep a close eye on this matter and push officials for clear action to ensure that residents are not subjected to unacceptable living conditions in another warm summer.

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