Augean brought forward an application to Peterborough City Council to extend the operational lifetime of the Thornhaugh Landfill Site until December 2028 with the site fully restored to beneficial use by December 2029. The application was in accordance with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Minerals and Waste Core Strategy, which identified the site as a local and regionally important facility.  The strategy supported the continued development of the site which was due to cease operations in December 2013.

The Planning and Environmental Protection Committee of Peterborough City Council unanimously approved the application in November 2012.

The site will continue to receive the same types of stable non-reactive hazardous wastes and non-hazardous commercial and industrial wastes as at present and in similar quantities.  Common wastes that are accepted at the site include asbestos, contaminated soil and wastes, much of which arise from construction and demolition sites in the region.

Thornhaugh Landfill Site will be progressively landscaped as each phase is completed with the final restoration of the site creating a nature conversation area. This will be complimentary to the adjacent Bedford Purlieus, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.  These plans were met with enthusiasm by the members of the Planning and Environmental Protection Committee who commended the commitment to protect wildlife during site operations and the reintroduction of wildlife to improve biodiversity in the area.