Pennine planning sub-committee say no to storage tanks

Date published: 17/04/2008

A retrospective planning application has been turned down by Pennine Township Planning Sub-Committee. The application sought approval for three replacement storage tanks at the site of Stansfield Mill, Calderbrook Road, Littleborough.

Council planning officers had recommended approval on the grounds that though the tanks are larger than the ones they are replacing, they would not have an "unaccpetable impact upon local visual amenity".

Nearby residents voiced their objections citing the visual obtrusiveness of the tanks, the unpleasant smells, the lack of respect for residents in installing the tanks before seeking permission and the possibility that spillage could cause land and water contamination. Residents also allege that previously approved operating hours are being flouted.

Councillors, having visited the site, disagreed with planning officers, noting that the tanks are considerably higher than the roof line and can be seen clearly from Calderbrook Road and the nearby Stansfield Estate, and voted to refuse the application.

The issue of failure to comply with previous conditions is also being investigated by the council.