Castleton residents angry over floodlight planning application

Former Woolworths site in Castleton

Castleton residents are angry about a planning application to install powerful floodlights at the old Woolworths site on Royle Barn Road.

As the application went in for three external lighting columns, locals came forward slamming the proposal and saying that it would have a “significant impact on the community”.

Five objections have now been logged, meaning it will have to go to the planning committee for further consideration.

The old Woolworths site has been bought by an offshore company which is believed to have put aside over £2m to redevelop site, including the 400w LED floodlights.

Tom Brogan, who lives on Smalley Street directly behind the site, said: “I was one of the first people to object to this because it was blatantly obvious that an application for floodlights means plans to work in the dark. You can see the site from my back window, I’m sure I am not alone when I say I don’t want beaming lights and HGVs hurtling up and down the street all night. It’s not just here, I am sure it will affect anyone on Royle Barn Road and the surrounding houses.”

Local resident Ann Simpson said: “This will have a significant impact on the community, and there are some details missing from the planning application which has caused even more concern for residents. For example, how often and for how long would the floodlights be on? There was talk in an earlier plan about 24/7 use of the site – would that mean 24/7 use of the lights? We don’t know because we haven’t been told.

“It is no coincidence that all the objections have come from the houses immediately behind the wall, where there would be the most noise and the most light intrusion. It is not the same as when Woolworths was here, those offices have since been demolished and there is more exposure to noise and light than there ever was before.”

In September 2015, despite strenuous objections from residents, councillors agreed to an application for the roof to be increased in height and the building cladded - that work is currently underway.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/98286/controversial-planning-application-at-former-woolworths-site-in-castleton-approved

Residents fear that once the site has been redeveloped it will be sold to Tetrosyl, the largest manufacturer and supplier of car care products in Europe and the largest independent oil blender in the UK, to be used for storing hazardous chemicals.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/97720/former-woolworths-site-in-castleton-could-be-used-for-storing-hazardous-chemicals