The Round Hill Society

Veolia 2025 Local Concerns Persist

WASTE TRANSFER STATION

By Dominic Furlong

From The Round Hill Reporter autumn 2025

Residents in Round Hill and Hollingdean continue to raise concerns about odours, noise, and the overall suitability of the Veolia Waste Transfer Station on Hollingdean Lane. These are long-standing issues that have now resurfaced as Brighton & Hove City Council rolls out its new food waste collection service. Neighbours have reported unpleasant smells from the Veolia-run site since it began operating in 2008, particularly during hot weather. Green ward councillor Raphael Hill recently questioned the council about the ongoing odour problems and why a long-promised independent review of the site has still not been produced.

That review was first requested in November 2019 by the council’s former Environment, Transport and Sustainability (ETS) Committee, following fires, noise complaints, and ongoing worries about the site’s location in a densely populated residential area. Despite repeated follow-ups by Round Hill residents and ward councillors, the council confirmed in July 2025 that no such report has ever been completed.

Residents have expressed frustration with the council’s failure to produce the report.

In July, formal complaints were issued to both the council and the Local Government Ombudsman. We are yet to hear back.

Councillor Tim Rowkins, the council’s Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environmental Services, said Veolia continues to operate within its environmental permit and has made several improvements. This includes faster-closing doors, additional odour- suppression units, and twice-yearly deep cleans.

The upcoming food waste collection service has added to local unease. Initially, food waste was expected to be brought to the Hollingdean site before transport to Veolia’s composting facility near Uckfield. However, Cllr Rowkins has since clarified that food waste will now bypass Hollingdean where possible and go directly to the composting site; a change that could reduce local odours if the trial proves successful.

The Round Hill Society committee met with Cllr Rowkins in February 2025 to discuss ongoing concerns about Veolia’s operations at the Hollingdean site. MP Siân Berry also met with us to find out more and understand the situation.