Your will...
...our expertise
The Newton Longville landfill site is situated near Bletchley in Buckinghamshire and has been in operation since 1967.
During the period between August 1999 and September 2001 a large number of complaints were received by the Local Authority regarding odours from individuals living in the surrounding communities. Many residents reported symptoms of ill health including nausea upset stomachs, vomiting, sore eyes throat and headaches all associated with odour emissions. In some cases claimants and their families also reported more serious symptoms such as asthma.
In May 2002 Hugh James were invited by members of the local action group PALS (‘People Against Landfill Sites’) to act for residents in a legal action against the operators of the site Shanks Waste Solutions Limited. PALS wanted to ensure that there was never a repeat of the problems they had experienced and wanted the company to pay compensation for the suffering of residents.
Our team investigated the claim and obtained disclosure of key documents from the regulatory Authorities. We also consulted with Environmental and Toxicological experts and brought in a specialist barrister.
Investigations found that many of the complaints were associated with emission of hydrogen sulphide fumes from the site caused by the tipping and subsequent bio-degradation of waste containing calcium sulphate
Evidence was obtained from an Environmental consultant, which included modelling of the overall odour impact from the site combining separate contours relating to severity, frequency and duration of nuisance taking into account site monitoring data topography and meteorological data. Hugh James also instructed a surveyor to provide evidence on the impact on property and rental values.
Proceedings were issued in the High Court’s Technology Construction Court List due to the complex nature of the case. We were appointed by the High Court to act as lead Solicitors and Mr Justice Mrs Forbes ordered that all claims should be registered with Hugh James by the 30th of September 2003.
A total of over 420 households brought claims within the group litigation which were successfully concluded through an out of court mediation.
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