Residents across Calne have reported a surge in strong odours over the weekend, with some saying the so-called “Calne Smell” is making them feel unwell inside their own homes.
Multiple people posting on local community pages described the smell as “intense” and “overpowering”, with reports it was noticeable even with windows and doors closed.
Several residents said they had experienced symptoms including headaches and nausea, while others described the smell spreading across large parts of the town, including Lansdowne, High Penn Park, Weston Close and Station Road.
One resident wrote: “It’s awful - you can smell it even with all the windows closed.”
Another said: “It’s the worst I’ve experienced it this morning… it was bad Saturday as well.”
Others reported waking up with headaches after smelling it overnight.
The odour, often compared to a “rotten egg” smell, has long been linked to landfill gas emissions from the Lower Compton landfill site, operated by Hills Waste Solutions.
The issue has been ongoing for over a year now, with Calne News previously reporting in 2025 that residents living near the Lower Compton landfill had experienced symptoms including headaches and nausea.
The latest spike has prompted at least one resident to take formal action.
Simoné Adriana has submitted a statutory nuisance complaint to Wiltshire Council under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which places a legal duty on the authority to take reasonable steps to investigate.
In her letter, she raised concerns about the frequency and intensity of the odour, as well as reported health symptoms including headaches, nausea, coughing and eye irritation.
She also called on the council to clarify whether it is aware of any increase in health-related cases and whether any operational issues at the landfill site may be contributing to the problem.
In a statement shared publicly, she said: “Residents do have the right to also take private action under Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 if this issue is not properly addressed.”
She is encouraging others to continue reporting incidents and to keep records of when the smell occurs and how it affects them.
The latest reports follow a significant increase in complaints recorded by the Environment Agency in recent months.
Figures show complaints rose from four in November 2025 and none in December, to 16 in January and around 100 in February.
The agency previously said landfill operations can generate some odour, but the impact on nearby communities should be minimal, adding that recent reports suggest controls “may not be working effectively”.
Cllr Paul Sample JP, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste, said: “We are aware of the reports of odours from the Calne waste treatment facilities. The Environment Agency are aware and were undertaking visits over the weekend to assess. Reports should be made to the Environment Agency on their online reporting system.”
The Environment Agency says it is working with Wiltshire Council and the UK Health Security Agency to investigate the issue and understand its impact on residents.
An Environment Agency spokesperson told Calne News that the recent increase in odour reports suggests existing controls may not be working effectively.
They said: “The community should not have to tolerate odours that affect their environment and we are continuing to investigate complaints made in Calne and the surrounding area, alongside our partners Wiltshire Council and the UK Health Security Agency.”
“While landfills and other waste activities will generate smells, the impact should be minimal, and the recent increase in odour reports indicates controls may not be working effectively.”
The spokesperson added that officers have been out in Calne and the surrounding area to assess conditions and identify potential sources.
“Our officers have been out in Calne and surrounding area to assess conditions and identify all potential sources and are working to pinpoint the specific causes to ensure appropriate action is taken to reduce odour levels as quickly as possible.”
The Environment Agency also said that recent weather and atmospheric conditions may have contributed to the increase in odours over the past week.
Local MP Sarah Gibson has now raised the issue directly with site operator Hills Group.
She said she “completely understands how deeply frustrating and distressing” the ongoing smell has become for residents, adding that no one should feel their home is becoming unliveable or worry about potential long-term health impacts.
Following a phone call with Hills, the company told her that recent weather conditions have worsened the situation and confirmed they are working closely with the Environment Agency, which currently has officers on site monitoring odours.
While additional infrastructure has been introduced since last summer, Hills acknowledged that more still needs to be done.
Ms Gibson has arranged to visit the site in person and says she is awaiting further discussions with the Environment Agency to better understand what work is being carried out.
She added: “Residents deserve answers, this cannot be another summer of unanswered questions. People need to feel comfortable in their own homes again.”
How to report
Residents experiencing strong odours are being urged to report them directly to the Environment Agency via its 24-hour hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or online.
Consistent reporting helps build evidence and determine what further action may be required.
