Akzo Nobel site development approved

The controversial plans to build 164 houses, a public house and a hotel on the site of the former Akzo Nobel chemical works in Littleborough was granted outline planning permission tonight (Wednesday 23 January) at the Pennines Township Planning Committee meeting.

Objectors to the proposed development had said they believe measures to cover up contamination – including asbestos, fatty acid and oil – with a 900mm layer of soil and gravel don’t go far enough. However, the meeting was told by planning officers and the developers that the site would be capped with concrete and remediated in line with national practice making it safe for property owners to build conservatories and dig in gardens much the same as any other development.

One of the more vocal objectors, Roger Davies, made a last-ditch attempt to persuade the committee to reject the proposals listing a number of concerns as well as the contamination issue, such as, potential traffic problems and accused the compilers of a traffic survey of producing a report "akin to creative accountancy."

He also expressed concern that the long list of 36 conditions the developers must comply with will not be properly monitored by the council, also a concern of some councillors, however, Richard Butler of the Council Planning Department gave the meeting an assurance that the works would be closely monitored.

David Rix of the developers Woodford Land explained that 9000 leaflets had been distributed and a number of public meetings held and the vast majority were in favour of the development - only 22 letters of objection had been received.

Woodford Land will also contribute £35,000 to improvements at Littleborough train station, £49,000 for improvements to the canal towpath and £164,000 to improve surrounding roads.

In granting approval, the planning committee agreed with the officers conclusion that the proposal would achieve satisfactory remediation of a contaminated site and the proposed new uses would represent a suitable mix of development and would represent the beneficial regeneration of this disused and now increasingly unattractive site.

On hearing the news, John Kay of Littleborough Canalside Development Group said: "Littleborough and the Hollingworth Lake Country Park will benefit substantially by having the Hotel and Fitness centre which the developers have promised. We must rely on the highways department to make the essential improvements to the roadways in order to accommodate the extra housing concerning which they have raised no objection.

"The people of Littleborough must now convince the developers that if the Fitness Centre and Swimming Pool is built of a size to accommodate non-residents then we will use the same to make the construction financially viable.

"I have lived in Littleborough all my life and we have for years wanted a swimming pool. This is our best chance of having one."