Taylor Wimpey submit application to vary planning application conditions for Broad Lane development

Taylor Wimpey have submitted an application to vary condition nine of their original planning application in respect of noise levels near gardens or outside spaces for their proposed development on Broad Lane.

It is understood that the application, which was submitted to Rochdale Council on 23 July, is asking for noise levels to be amended as noise levels from the M62 motorway would not fall under 55 decibels – the required noise level permitted around outside space or gardens.

This move is something that has angered members of the Broad Lane Action Group (BLAG) as they originally raised objections to the development with noise pollution being one of the main reasons for the objections.

Neil Longsden from the Broad Lane Action Group said: “The experts said a bund (earth mound with trees, fencing, etc) would have to be built to absorb the noise and also diesel fumes but now Taylor Wimpey have submitted a planning application to have the condition regarding the 55 decibel maximum level varied so it reads: ‘noise in a principle usable area of the garden or outside space is minimised using best practicable means'.”

It is understood that Taylor Wimpey have now acknowledged that even after a bund is built, noise levels from the M62 cannot be reduced to lower than 55 decibels – hence the reason for the amendment to the application.

Neil added: “Bear in mind BLAG said all along that noise pollution could affect the health of existing and future residents of Broad Lane and Pennine Gate/Broadlands but we were ignored.

“Planning Officials, Environmental Health Officials, and Taylor Wimpey's Experts all said the bund would keep noise levels down to 55 decibels - once
Taylor Wimpey obtained permission to build they acknowledged they had it wrong and now want to move the goalposts.”

Neil and other members of BLAG are also concerned that noise levels in the area will never improve as the M62 motorway increases in traffic.

Neil added: “Also remember current noise levels from the M62 are much higher than 55 decibels and within a couple of years the M62 will have four
lanes of running traffic at peak traffic times- not three as at present. The volume of traffic will increase by approx one third, as will noise.”

Taylor Wimpey were contacted for comment but had not responded by the time of publication.