An investigation by Channel 4 News found that around a third of a huge illegal waste site in Bickershaw, Greater Manchester, is now vested in the Duchy of Lancaster.
The revelation has raised questions over responsibility for the clean-up of the site, which has become a major environmental and public safety concern.
The Bickershaw site has seen an estimated 25,000 tonnes of waste illegally deposited, forming a vast mound of rubbish containing plastics and potentially hazardous materials.
In July 2025, a fire broke out at the dump which was so severe it was declared a major incident, prompting emergency services and authorities to respond.
A Wigan Council spokesperson commented: “This illegal waste site has had, and continues to have, a daily impact on residents who live nearby and on the bordering primary school.
“Local authorities have an obligation to ensure best value for residents. As such, the council would need to consider the terms of any arrangement the Duchy of Lancaster is offering since it is unlikely the value of the land would surpass the clean-up cost.
“As one of the impacted landowners, we are making efforts to clear our land and we continue to implore all other impacted landowners to take the necessary steps to fulfil their own obligations.”
Duchy passes on responsibility for clean-up
Channel 4’s investigation revealed that approximately 30% of the land on which the waste sits is now owned by the Duchy of Lancaster.
The land previously belonged to a company that has since been dissolved. Following the company’s dissolution, ownership was disclaimed by the Treasury Solicitor.
Because the site lies within the historic County Palatine of Lancaster, the land automatically vested in the Duchy of Lancaster under the doctrine of escheat, a legal principle that makes the Duchy the owner of last resort for such properties.
In a statement, the Duchy of Lancaster said: “Approximately 30% of the illegal tipping site vested to the Duchy from its previous owner in July 2025 under a process known as escheat.
“At this point The Duchy contacted Wigan Council to seek a resolution, and we remain fully committed to working with the local community and relevant agencies to address this issue and to counter the impact of illegal waste tipping.”
Under escheat law, while property may pass to the Duchy, it can choose not to inherit liabilities attached to the land.
‘Launching a major criminal investigation’
Under long-standing Environment Agency guidance, landowners are typically responsible for removing illegally dumped waste from their land.
However, the agency has not served a notice on the Duchy in this case, as that guidance does not apply to land subject to escheat law.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Waste crime scars our communities, and we’re committed to tackling it in Wigan with the local council and the police, as well as across the country.
“We are doing everything in our powers to manage the site in Bickershaw and identify the perpetrators, including by launching a major criminal investigation and interviewing individuals under caution.”
