Today Salford City Council made the decision on Anthony O’Connors application to build a waste transfer station on the land next door to Sky Properties’ proposed Incinerator site. O’Connors previously made pretty much the same application in 2010, resulting in a refusal from the Council. Trying their luck a second time, O’Connors made some minor changes to their application and resubmitted it. Today the Council Planning and Transport Panel “REFUSED” that second application.
The main grounds by which the applications were refused were:
- Impacts on roads due to additional HGVs – including residential amenity and the type/size of vehicle.
- Impact on Bridgewater canal, such as visual amenity and noise.
Acceptance of this application would have marked a change of direction on Green Lane. The surrounding area is currently regenerating and casting off it’s historical 1950’s heavy industrial background. It is becoming a vibrant residential community where people are choosing to locate with their families. In addition, an acceptance could have provided further fuel for Sky’s claims that the area is appropriate for waste processing and incineration. It is not.
This refusal continues to support the ongoing planning strategy for the area. The old GUS site on the opposite side of the canal was recently refused permission to switch use to a similar heavy industry usage. The owner’s of the GUS subsequently aligned their plans with the Council’s strategy and the Bridgewater Master Plan, by submitting an application for residential housing. The GUS housing application was accepted. If Sky are watching, let them develop the same good sense as the owners of the GUS site, by realigning their objectives with the Council’s strategy.
Sky’s incinerator application shares many parallels with the one rejected today. We will be objecting in force on the 2nd of June, when the decision is made on their nightmare incinerator.