Quarry fighters fear the worst

PLANNING row . . . from left, Councillor Barbara Beeley, Kevin Lawton and Councillor Val Sedgwick oppose a plan to build at Springhead Quarry

FURIOUS residents will discover tonight whether their long-running protests over a new housing development at Springhead Quarry have been in vain.

Plans to build 61 new houses at the controversial site were submitted in 2008, but a public consulation resulted in a demand for more information and the application as withdrawn.

A new application goes before tonight’s council planning committee, recommended for approval despite 47 letters of objection and a 70-signature petition.

Residents fear the development will cause traffic congestion, road safety problems, the loss of local wildlife and trees, pose a drainage and flood risk and mean the loss of a public right of way. There are also fears it will cut through the garden of a listed building.

The application is for outline planning permission, and doesn’t specify the number of properties tobe built. It is believed the detailed plan will include a large number of three and four-bedroom houses.

Local resident Kevin Lawton said: “Local residents are concerned the plans will ask for access through the garden of Highfield House, a listed building. The trees surrounding it are under a tree protection order. The second {fear) is increased traffic congestion.

“This has been going on for three years now, and nothing much has happened in terms of local consultation. We’re disappointed to find it is recommended for approval. The scale of the problems in developing that site are being totally underestimated.”

Agent Chorlton Planning has submitted the application for its client, Springhead Stone Company, and will present the case to the committee.

Alan Chorlton said: “The site is redundant at the moment. It’s ideal for development as the steep sides mean it can’t be seen by many people.

“When the housing market starts to improve, family homes will be the ones leading the market and this site is perfectly placed for that.”