Deadline set for Spodden Valley

Spodden Valley in 1999

Owners of the Spodden Valley site have less than 28 days to prove they have the resources to develop it or their planning application will be rejected.

Rochdale Council wrote to MMC Developments Ltd this week to warn them of the deadline.

A controversial application to build more than 600 homes on the former site of Turner Brother Asbestos was made in December 2004.

Peter Rowlinson, Rochdale Council Planning and Regulation Service Director, wrote to MMC on Tuesday requesting a specific timetable and evidence that resources will soon be available.

Mr Rowlinson said: “Given the length of time we have awaited this information and your current optimism, I feel it is practical to ask for evidence of progress to be submitted within 28 days.

“If this is not provided, I will have to assume that the project continues to be uncertain and that the logical approach is to refuse the current planning application and to work with you on the submission of a fresh application when the necessary studies are completed.”

The land was formerly home to the first then largest asbestos textile factory in the world, but a report with the planning application in 2004 stated: “Of particular note is the absence of any asbestos contamination.”

Campaigners have long argued against building on the site because of health fears.

Save Spodden Valley Campaigner Jason Addy said: “Rochdale Council has had the patience of Job regarding their approach to this planning application.

“This decision vindicates the six-year stand of the Save Spodden Valley campaign and its supporters throughout Britain and overseas.

“It is time for a community "Plan B" to ensure the damning legacy of Spodden Valley's asbestos contamination is permanently addressed.”

The 72 acre site was sold by the Administrator of Federal Mogul for £6,250,000 in April 2004 and is owned by MMC and Hawksford Jersey Ltd.

The Royal Bank of Scotland has held a mortgage charge on the site since late 2004.

Hilda Palmer, Coordinator of Greater Manchester Hazard Centre, said that even if the application is rejected the problem of contamination will remain.

She said: “The council is doing the right thing and I am glad they are doing it. It is huge news because nothing has happened for a very long time.

“This doesn’t solve the problem but it is a positive step. It is at least a start towards what needs to happen.”

Former Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: "I attended a meeting of the Spodden Valley Working Party last week which discussed the lack of progress in resolving the problem of the old TBA site. MMC have now had six years to come up with an acceptable solution. We are no further on than when I was Leader of the council. All we have had is promises. I therefore welcome the decision of the Planning Department to call their bluff. If MMC cannot develop a solution then we must develop a public sector one. That will be the task of the Spodden Valley Working Party in the new year.

Willliam Hobhouse said: “The TBA Working Party has spent many years drawing up an asbestos testing programme for the site which will ensure safe development. For the last 3 years, the only block on this has been MMC’s failure to back their planning application with money for this work. In 2009, we worked through public funding options that would mean that government would pay for site testing, but these have come to nothing while MMC own the site. More recently, a plan B option has been discussed that could provide a site solution without MMC. I welcome the Council’s letter to MMC with the 28 day deadline, as it will concentrate minds and MMC’s financial commitment."

MMC were not available for comment.