MMC to submit new planning application to build on asbestos site

Exposed asbestos in the Spodden Valley

Following the recent rejection by RMBC of the initial planning application,  the owners of the Turner Brothers former asbestos factory site in Spodden Valley are to submit a fresh planning application.

Mark Russell, Managing Director of MMC Developments Limited, said: “MMC remains certain that the only viable way to deliver the Turner Brothers site back into good economic use for the benefit of the Rochdale community without the need for millions of pounds of public money is via a further application leading to a residential-led development solution. This will deliver the value required to safely clean up to the very highest standards the historic contamination which arose during the Turner Brothers years.

"MMC is committed to delivering a solution which will save this potentially beautiful area of Spodden Valley, and we welcome local support for a new scheme which, in addition to paying to clean up the historic contamination, will provide much-needed good quality family housing and local amenities. We look forward to bringing forward a new application that will see Spotland revitalised."

On hearing news of MMC's intent to submit a new application, Save Spodden Valley spokesman Jason Addy said: "It is no surprise that MMC threaten to apply again. Under the current planning rules there is no charge for a application that has been refused if resubmitted within 12 months. It is, in effect, a free punt that favours property speculation. This adds insult to injury given that the planning fee paid in December 2004 was a mere £5500.

"As for the jargon and vague promises made in their statement, this has all the hallmarks of an involvement by the 'public affairs and communications' industry who offer services such as 'corporate crisis management'. The slick statement avoids damning home truths about what has gone on in the past 6 1/2 years. There appear crude attempts to shift the blame on to Countryside Properties PLC, but the facts are clear, the 615 week long planning application always had the site joint owners, MMC Developments Ltd, name on it.

"The use of PR agents to defend the indefensible at the Spodden Valley site has a long
history: When the link between asbestos and the asbestos cancer mesothelioma was
acknowledged by Turner & Newall in the 1960s the companies then confidential documents reveal that media consultants were hired to launch an expensive advertising and lobbying campaign.

"Too many asbestos related deaths tell us from bitter experience that this site needs the work of medical doctors and not spin doctors."