Residents of Westonzoyland, Somerset, have initiated a legal challenge to prevent their historic airfield from being degraded into an environmental “wasteland.” Westonzoyland Airfield, located east of the village near Bridgwater, is partially occupied by Towens of Weston Ltd., which operates a recycled aggregates business under an Environment Agency (EA) permit allowing the storage and processing of soil, rubble, and inert waste.
Although Somerset Council granted planning permission in June 2024 for the company to store up to 85,000 tonnes of material over three years—mainly sourced from nearby greenfield developments to improve local flood prevention reservoirs—Westonzoyland Parish Council registered concerns about the potential environmental and health impacts. After lodging a judicial review against this decision, the High Court ruled in October 2024 to quash the council’s approval.
The current legal challenge targets the EA’s proposal to expand the permit, potentially increasing the volume of inert waste processed on-site fourfold, up to 200,000 tonnes annually. Parish Councillor Liz Parfitt, an educator at Richard Huish College, warns that this escalation threatens important conservation sites, including the Langmead and Weston Level Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Ramsar site, and a national nature reserve.
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Parfitt highlights that the airfield, steeped in historic and environmental significance, risks becoming a landscape dominated by unsightly and hazardous piles of waste materials. The proximity—within 100 metres—to local homes raises serious concerns about air pollution, dust, gas emissions, and water contamination that could harm the local ecosystem and community health. She describes the ongoing operation as a disturbance resembling a battlefield, with heavy vehicle convoys creating noise and pollution that jeopardize the area’s natural heritage.
To fund their efforts, the parish council is aiming to raise £1,000 initially for legal advice and expert assessments, with hopes to generate a further £10,000 to pursue a comprehensive judicial review. Donations can be made by the deadline of February 16, helping the community defend their village’s environment and wellbeing.
Parfitt emphasizes the power of collective action: “Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference. Together we can protect our wildlife, countryside, heritage and community for future generations. Let’s stand together to safeguard our village and unique environment.”