Commonside Tip

Commonside Tip is located northeast of Alvanley village, near Helsby, Cheshire. The site was originally a small, steep-sided valley which was used as a landfill between the late 1950s and the mid-1970s.

The site received waste from a range of local industries, including petrochemical companies, cable and vehicle manufacturers and electricity generators. After landfilling operations ended, the site returned to rough grassland and has remained like this.

In 2004, an investigation was started by Vale Royal Borough Council to assess if the tip met the legal definition of Contaminated Land, as required under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Work was ongoing when Vale Royal Borough Council was amalgamated into the newly formed Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council.

In 2009, we concluded that, based on the assessments undertaken, the tip did not meet the definition of Contaminated Land and investigations were drawn to a close. Periodic site visits have taken place since.

In autumn 2023 the Environmental Protection Team commenced a review of the site, comprising:

• collation and review of all relevant information and records
• investigation of legal land ownership
• site visits
• discussion with adjacent landowners, residents, the Parish Council and local Councillors
• liaison with the Environment Agency

We commissioned specialist consultants to undertake sampling in spring 2024, in order to understand the current environmental condition. We have now written to the Environment Agency, the regulator for controlled waters and water quality, as part of a formal consultation process and for advice and await their response. 

Enquiries

If there are any enquiries about Commonside Tip, please contact environmentalprotection@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk