Tory bids to sink water tank plan

Councillor Ian Barker (centre) with residents (from the left) James Scanlon, Pamela Scanlon, Bernard Angus and Elaine Eden

A FAILSWORTH councillor is prepared to stand down from the planning committee over a controversial application.

Conservative councillor Ian Barker, of Failsworth West, said he expressed concern a year ago about a water tank that was erected with no planning permission.

Now a retrospective application has been submitted by Tesco for the tank on land by its Failsworth store.

Councillor Barker said he will stand aside when the application comes before committee and will advise residents on how to oppose the tank he described as a huge eyesore.

Councillor Barker, who said he was left astounded that it was built without planning permission, said: “The tank is unsightly and is not in keeping with the area.

“I promised in my election campaign that I would look into this if elected and hopefully residents can now put their trust in local politicians once more.

“It is disappointing that in the 12 months since we highlighted the issue the Labour councillors in Failsworth West have not looked into it themselves.”

Councillor Barker said neighbouring residents were concerned about the value of their property and the effect the tank could have.

He said: “This application, out of disregard for local residents and sheer cheek alone, should be refused.”

However, Councillor Glenys Butterworth said the ward’s two Labour councillors had raised the matter with Tesco a year ago.

She said: “All the Failsworth councillors met the regeneration people last August and we made representations because the tank wasn’t on the original plans.

“At that point, Tesco did not have anywhere else to site it but, now they have acquired neighbouring land, it should be moved.

“Councillor Barker will have to stand down from the committee over this matter because he has spoken to residents about it and must declare an interest.

“To say we’ve done nothing is absolutely wrong, and he needs to speak to us and officers before making wild accusations.”