A massive pile of illegally dumped waste, weighing 25,000 tonnes, is reportedly situated on a piece of land that is partially owned by royalty. This site, described as the most hazardous illegal waste dump in the UK, spans two acres in northern England, dangerously close to a local school. Pictures reveal the area cluttered with thousands of black bin bags containing household garbage, hazardous substances, and plastics. Residents in the vicinity of Bolton House Road, Bickershaw, have expressed discontent, stating that trucks began transporting waste to the location starting from January 2025.
Approximately one-third of the dump is situated on land belonging to the Duchy of Lancaster, a part of King Charles’ extensive personal property and estate holdings. However, the Duchy claims exemption from the obligation to clean up the site due to an ancient legal framework dating back 750 years. According to the Duchy, the responsibility for clearing the 20-meter high waste mound rests with Wigan Council.
Transferring the contaminated land to the local council would result in a cleanup cost of several million pounds passed on to taxpayers, as indicated by the Duchy. Despite citing “escheat” law as the reason for not assuming liabilities, the Duchy has expressed willingness to engage with Wigan Council on the matter.
The Environment Agency’s guidance places the onus on landowners to remove illegally dumped waste from their properties, contradicting the Duchy’s stance. Clarifying the ownership situation, a Duchy spokesperson emphasized that only around 30% of the tipping site is under the Duchy’s ownership, with the remaining portion divided among other entities.
Residents living near the site have shared distressing accounts of their experiences, highlighting issues such as vermin infestations and unpleasant odors. Authorities initially displayed reluctance to intervene upon receiving complaints earlier in the year, but subsequently, Wigan Council took action and secured closure orders following a significant fire incident at the dump in July.
Investigations into the land ownership structure revealed the involvement of the King’s possessions through a complex ownership system. The Duchy of Lancaster, responsible for managing assets in specific circumstances, including those of dissolved companies, holds authority over ownerless properties under the “bona vacantia” principle. The Environment Agency’s ability to address the situation is limited unless the Duchy decides to take action.
In response to the Duchy’s offer to transfer the land to Wigan Council, the council expressed the need to evaluate the terms of the agreement, considering that the land’s value may not cover the cleanup expenses.