Turner Brother’s site put up for sale

The former site of the world’s largest asbestos factory – Turner Brother’s in the Spodden Valley - has been put up for sale.

The 72-acre site has been put on the market – months after Rochdale Council rejected plans to build homes on the land because of asbestos contamination fears.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/51594/turner-brothers-site-planning-application-rejected  

At the time MMC Developments had said they would re-submit plans.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/51691/mmc-to-submit-new-planning-application-to-build-on-asbestos-site  

However, the site is now up for sale. A half page advertisement in the Estates Gazette invites expressions of interest to a company called Renshaw Properties Limited

Jason Addy, co-ordinator of the Save Spodden Valley campaign, said: “People power has prevailed.

"The shocking history of asbestos is now emerging; too many people have been harmed and killed by the products and decisions made in the Spodden Valley.

"There must be no secret deals and financial speculation – future generations of Rochdalians deserve accountable facts and open decision making.

“The cheapest solution for the site could be to create a ‘green-lung’ of safe amenity land.

“Is there the collective will and determination to put people before profit?”

William Hobhouse, Chairman of the TBA Working Party, said: “Over the past 7 years, MMC have never carried out proper testing to establish the levels of asbestos contamination and from that, to begin a discussion on how best to remediate the site.

“There has also been no progress on site testing since the planning application was refused 9 months ago.

“The problems of this asbestos contaminated site aren’t going away, and in some ways are becoming more urgent.

“The Working Party will continue to fulfill its scrutiny role to protect and safeguard the health of the people of Rochdale, irrespective of who the site owner is.”

Peter Rowlinson, Director of Planning and Regulation at Rochdale Borough Council said: "We are aware of the proposed sale and await the result of the process with interest. The council is committed to work with any owner to secure a solution to the site which ensures its safe remediation within current planning constraints."

MMC were unavailable for comment at the time of publication.