Call for public meeting to discuss plan to build on former Akzo Nobel site

Derelict land at the former Akzo Nobel site

Residents in Littleborough want to hold a public meeting to discuss the planning application for 174 new homes to be built on the former chemical plant site, Akzo Nobel.

The plan to build homes on the site was approved by planning committee councillors but the plans have been met with criticism from nearby residents. Locals have raised concerns regarding contamination of the land, unregistered mines, traffic implications and water drainage.

Barry Cropper, who raised the issue at the last Pennines Committee Township
meeting on Tuesday 5 November, said: “It is just a way for the public to speak about the plans and then officers can note what is said and put it in a report.”

During the committee meeting, Councillor Allen Brett said during the meeting that he “would not attend a meeting and neither would the applicants.”

This is something that Mr Cropper does not understand. He said: “He doesn’t have to say anything at the meeting. He just has to come and listen so I don’t see what the issue is.”

A public meeting was originally agreed at a Pennines Township Committee meeting in January 2012 but since that agreement, nothing has been scheduled. Mr Cropper added: “Here we are 22 months down the line and nothing has happened yet.”

A meeting date of 25 November has been proposed but residents think that this is too soon as the meeting has not been publicised. “We think it should be after Christmas so it can publicised more,” added Barry.

Countryside Properties submitted the plan to build 174 homes on the site towards the end of 2011. The site has been vacant since 2005. Building on the site would be for residential use only and would include 60 three bedded homes and 114 four bedded homes.