The decision comes amid a sharp rise in complaints from local residents, with regulators recording 494 reports linked to the landfill since the start of 2026.
Of these, 393 were made in April alone (up to 27 April 2026), marking a significant escalation compared to previous months.
Regulators say the volume of complaints highlights a failure to adequately control emissions, particularly odours, which operators are legally required to prevent.
Carlisle MP Julie Minns posted on Facebook: “Hespin Wood landfill stinks, and Seletia (HW) Ltd, the company that run the landfill site, don’t seem to care.
“I am pressing Cumberland Council Council and the Environment Agency for enforcement action.”
Increased Environment Agency presence at site
The Environment Agency said it had identified “significant permit breaches” at the site and had been prepared to take formal enforcement action.
A spokesperson commented: “Communities should not have to tolerate pollution.
“We have identified significant permit breaches at Hespin Wood Landfill and have told Seletia to take immediate action to address the situation.
“We have also increased our regulatory presence on site and will not hesitate to take further enforcement action if required.”
The regulator confirmed it had written to Seletia to warn that it was “minded to issue a suspension notice” unless urgent improvements were made.
In response, the operator agreed to voluntarily stop taking waste while remediation work is carried out.
Hespin Wood Landfill changed ownership in 2025
Hespin Wood Landfill, located near Rockcliffe, Carlisle, is a long-established waste facility that has operated for several decades.
Historically run by Cumbria Waste Management, the site had seen relatively low waste inputs in recent years prior to a change in ownership.
In summer 2025, the landfill operations were taken over by Seletia, which now holds the environmental permit for the disposal of non-hazardous waste.
Seletia has been contacted for comment.
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