THE developers who want to build 600 houses on the old Turner's site have been accused of deceiving the public, planning officers and councillors over the closure of the Woodlands Road footpath.
In a stinging attack on Countryside Properties at a meeting of Rochdale Township committee, Councillor Ann Metcalfe said the company had mentioned the possibility of closure when it met with councillors on 12 May. No date was mentioned.
But she had since learned Countryside Properties had contacted a reporter at the Observer that same afternoon to announce that it was applying for an emergency closure order, which it duly submitted to the council the following day.
Councillor Metcalfe said: "It seems the people we are dealing with are not coming out with the truth."
Ken Smith, the head of the council's planning and regulation department, admitted: "I'm just disappointed. The previous Thursday evening I attended a meeting with the TBA working party.
"The managing director from Countryside Properties did indicate they may have to close a footpath at a later date, but gave no indication that request was going to be made the following day.
"It was like a kick in the teeth when we found out this had happened."
Councillor Elwyn Watkins, a member of the working party, told the meeting: "We have had a lot of meetings to make sure everything's been done properly.
"What we have is one incident which has destroyed all that confidence and trust."
The committee has demanded a full consultation before a bid to close the path for a further year-and-a-half is considered, especially after residents with disabilities complained they could not use the only alternative walkway. The agreed emergency four-week closure runs out in two weeks' time.
Members council highways officers for failing to consult councillors, although department head Donald Forester said the closure was in line with emergency action like that taken when there were 'dangerous buildings collapsing or unexploded grenades.'
But chairwoman, Councillor Angela Coric, told him: "I think this is a lesson for your department."
Showing comments 1 to 8 and replies | View All
Peter Kelly, Ireland (former TBA employee) (27/05/2005 at 16:09)
Anna Greene, Preston (28/05/2005 at 21:33)
Eileen Cunningham, Heywood (28/05/2005 at 22:30)
Alternatively - has the path been closed so that nobody can see what they are doing? But then why would a company which claims to be respected, ethical and socially responsible conduct itself in this way?
I can only hope to trust that the authorities responsible for overseeing this development have the courage and perseverance to ensure that any development will be carried out in a manner which is safe in the long-term rather than - as seems to be the danger - sticking a band-aid over a life-threatening wound.
susan hobson, rochdale (29/05/2005 at 16:41)
bryan conway, rochdale (30/05/2005 at 09:38)
Countryside Properties have a knack of gaining planning permission across the UK on sensitive sites. They see what they want to see. For months they have dismissed reports of asbestos on TBA land while plans were drawn up. What have they now found that warrants closing this road for 18 months?
The council, and planners seem to be bending over backwards to help Countryside Properties get their plans through.
To sum up, the developers have so far b" Destroyed 2 acres of woodland - Denied danger if the site is disturbed b" Accused residents of putting asbestos on the land b" Attempted the takeover of local website. b"Refused independent testing of soil samples by local SSV group. Between the council, council officials and the developers we are all being taken for fools.
If the situation is so bad that the road into Healy Dell is to be closed for 18 months, it is time to call in the government; it cannot be left with private developers and offshore accounts.
Bryan Conway
Hilda Palmer, Greater Mancehster Hazards Centre (30/05/2005 at 11:12)
Can we have some comments from Rochdale MBC Environmental Health Officers and the Director of Public Health? I would hope that the Rochdale Observer seeks out such comments.
David Harrison, Rochdale (10/06/2005 at 16:01)
This begs a more serious issue- if they cannot honour an agreement to maintain a path, then what cast iron guarantees does Rochdale get about the long- term health risks posed by any development of the site.
Pot holes and puddles are bad enough- our children's health must not be ignored in such a cavalier manner by the new owners of the site.
jan dixon, wigan (26/10/2005 at 22:01)
full capability of this killer dust, before it is too late.