Council propose changes to Waste Plan

Rochdale Council is proposing changes to the Greater Manchester Waste Plan, which identifies Mandale Park as part of a wider area suitable for built waste management facilities, following objections from residents in Sparth and Brimrod. 

A requirement of the proposal was that any development should help fund improvements to the remaining park, and provide a new vehicular access on Manchester Road (close to Beech House School) to connect with the Norman Road businesses.

The council and objectors presented their views on the proposal to an independent government inspector in June. At the examination, the inspector was asked to consider an amended boundary for built waste facilities which covers the Sparth Industrial area and a small adjacent area of the park.

Rochdale Council is now seeking the views of residents on the proposed changes. They are:

• To exclude the vast majority of Mandale Park (leaving this as protected open space) and to restrict built waste uses to the existing employment area at Sparth and a small area of the park adjoining Norman Road.
• To delete the requirement for new access on Manchester Road (A58) and a road through the park therefore ensuring traffic and waste uses are sited well away from Beech House School and the park.
• Offer the potential to replace the unsightly open facilities currently operating in the area with modern, enclosed buildings, addressing the concerns of the Sparth residents.
• To explore opportunities to relocate waste uses within the area and to explore the potential for new developments to fund improvements to the park through (i.e. landscape, footpaths, lighting and signage.)
• To ensure new proposals within the changed boundary are assessed in terms of traffic impact and flood risk.

The changed proposal will ensure the reduced area will still be able to address the waste management needs of Rochdale town centre - an identified growth area.

The consultation runs until Friday 2 September 2011.

Representatives and businesses within the identified areas will be notified in writing next month.

Councillor Martin Burke, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and a member of the GM Waste and Minerals Joint Committee said: “The consultation is about listening carefully to the views of the people who could be affected by the plans … so changes are being proposed as a direct result of this feedback.”

Councillor Derek Antrobus, Chairman of the Committee preparing the Waste Plan, said: "This plan aims to ensure the ten planning authorities have policies in place to ensure that we can cope with waste produced in the future in the greenest, safest and cleanest way possible.”

The council intends to work with the community to deliver improvements to the park and the wider Sparth area in the coming months.

Some residents and objectors have already indicated their support for the changes but the Inspector wants all those who support or object to make formal comments. Anyone can do this by visiting the web site or completing a representation form.

Copies of the Waste Plan and the proposed changes are available to view at Sparth Community Centre, the local library or council customer service centre.

To view and comment on these and other changes visit: www.gmwastedpd.co.uk