Klondike site change of use plans thrown out

Plans to change The Klondike on Chichester Street into a site for the storage, processing and recycling of waste, building and demolition materials has been refused.

Councillors voted against the plans tonight (Tuesday 15 March 2011) following several objections raised by residents.

Twenty one letters of objection were received from houses mainly in the area to the east of the site. Councillor Daalat Ali and Simon Danczuk MP have also raised concerns on the behalf of local residents.

The grounds of objection related to noise, the hours of operation, vibration, health issues, loss of trees, the effect on wildlife and the effect on property values.

The site is currently used for the storage of timber components.

Noise at the site has been a concern for several months.

The report presented to Councillors read: “The main issue with this application is the effect on the amenities of nearby residents and the environment.

“It became clear very soon after the company began to occupy the site at the end of April 2010 that the nature of the work resulted in considerable noise and during the drier summer months dust emissions became a serious issue with local residents, particularly those living to the east of the site.”

The applicant has recently indicated that he wishes to find an alternative site for his business but Councillors were recommended to grant temporary planning permission for the period of one year, however, they voted against it.