House prices fell in areas next to controversial landfill site Walleys Quarry after odour problems increased, a new report has found.

Newcastle-under-Lyme's Thistelberry ward, which includes Walleys Quarry and nearby housing estates, saw the steepest decline in median house prices across the borough, in the six quarters after December 2021.

This is one of the findings of a new independent report, commissioned by Staffordshire County Council and partner agencies, into the community impact of the landfill site.

Consultants from Arcadis considered a range of issues, including health, the economy, housing and reputational impact. The report's authors analysed data and spoke to residents and organisations in Newcastle.

Arcadis looked at median house prices in the wards closest to Walleys Quarry in the six quarters prior to January 2021, and in the six quarter after December 2021 – odour complaints about Walleys Quarry started increasing during the winter of 2020/21. While prices in Thistleberry rose by around £3,000 a quarter over the first period, in the second period they fell by around £4,000 a quarter – the biggest decline across Newcastle.

Odour problems at the controversial landfill site have hit a four year high (LDRS).

Neighbouring Westlands saw a smaller decrease, while Town ward saw a big increase in house prices. In Silverdale there was little change between the two periods, and the borough as a whole saw higher house price growth in the second period.

The report states: "The data does show localised areas of impact when comparing change over time between the period prior to and since the ongoing odour incident period."

In relation to health, the authors say that the situation at Walleys Quarry has led to 'significant health and mental health challenges' to people in the area. Anecdotal evidence from community engagement highlighted levels of stress and anxiety for residents living near the landfill, 'who experience a lack of control over their landfill'.

But the report says that direct impacts of odours from Walleys Quarry on local businesses are 'likely minimal', although its notes localised effects such as lower employee quality of life and increased sickness absence during peak odour periods. The report also notes community anger at both Walleys Quarry and the Environment Agency, the site's regulator, which has 'turned into moral outrage and a sense of injustice'.

A number of recommendations are included in the report, including the continuation of a community steering committee established for the study and the launch of a longitudinal health study to look into the long-term health impacts.

Dr Richard Harling, director of health and care at the county council, said: "The purpose of this project was to understand the consequences of this long-running problem for the community, particularly those issues which may be less apparent. And I am grateful for the community talking to the researchers so freely and openly about their experiences.

"I think, in part, the enthusiasm to take part in this study was driven by a deep frustration with the situation and how powerless people feel."

Walleys Quarry Ltd has previously said that the landfill site is 'stringently regulated' by the EA, and that it is focused on minimising the impacts on local residents. The report will be presented to the county council's health and care overview and scrutiny committee on December 2.

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