|
The first we knew was that a six foot fence with barbed wire was erected around the site (without the benefit of planning permission) and all allotment holders on the ex colliery land received their notice to quit.
The reason for this we were told, was that the land was contaminated and must therefore be remediated. On asking for details of the associated health risks we were informed by Mr Ian Keith of English Partnerships that "contamination found at the Allerton Bywater site does not represent a serious concern to human health" Mr Keith also said that "I am not prepared to forward a copy of the risk assessment to you at present. I will review the position once a planning application is submitted for the site". We never did work out why the submission of a planning application had any influence on his decision!
The attitude of these agencies has always been that we are having a lot of money spent on us and therefore we should be grateful! We would be grateful if these agencies would listen to local feeling and the development was reasonable, in scale with its surroundings and catered for the people who live here.
We have our own history and character and do not wish to become a "new town".
|
