ANOTHER battle to save the Brookfields area of Mossley from being developed may have been won but for residents, the war is far from over.
And if planning permission is eventually given, they have described it as ‘a tragedy waiting to happen.’
Essex-based Clients Court Properties withdrew an application to build nine houses on the contentious site in its latest attempt to develop the area after a local highways authority (LHA) report recommended refusal.
That was reduced from 21 and an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate over its refusal by Tameside Council, which was turned down.
Despite hundreds of objections, a statement for the applicant stated: “Having assessed the reasons for the refusal and the findings of the unsuccessful appeal decision, the applicants have significantly re-designed and reduced the density of the proposed housing scheme from 21 dwellings down to nine.
“They have acquired some more land adjacent to the site to improve the access and servicing provision for construction traffic and deliveries.
“We therefore consider that these proposed changes and improvements can address the previous concerns and grounds of refusal and the development can be undertaken without severely affecting highway safety and the road network.”
And even though this attempt has been withdrawn, those living nearby, those who have led the fight to prevent it and Mossley councillors believe it will come up again.
Julie Martin also believes Tameside Council should play a role, telling The Correspondent:
“Brookfields should never have been considered.
“If anyone from the planning department had actually visited the site they would have realised that the access to the site wasn’t viable.
“It would have increased traffic next to Milton St John’s primary school, which is on a narrow steep hill with single file traffic when cars are parked.
“Construction traffic would have posed a real danger to both residents and schoolchildren. It was a tragedy waiting to happen.
“Tameside Council need to look at suitability for building but they seem blinded by the need to fill every inch of Tameside, particularly in Mossley where our infrastructure just cannot support the increase in traffic.
“Thankfully the outcry from residents has been noted. Mossley is a fantastic Community and the ‘Protect our Mossley’ Facebook page has mobilised it.”
Another resident, Dave Jones, has been instrumental in the battle to prevent development at Brookfields by setting up the Protect Our Mossley Facebook page.
More than 65 people turned up at a public meeting, with other development plans on Stamford Road and Hanover Street also being discussed.
But Dave said: “It would be foolish to believe this developer will give up, so we must remain vigilant and alert to any next moves.
“I firmly believe this application has been more closely scrutinised and assessed because of the mighty outcry against it from the community.
“This is not just me romanticising or exaggerating – it’s actually referenced right at the start of the local highway authority report.
“I am immensely proud of this – our protests and objections have had an immense impact! The full support of our elected councillors, Mossley Town Council and our MP has been instrumental too.
“We have proven we are a force to be reckoned with – and we must now work together more closely to Protect Our Mossley!
“There are other battles to fight. The town is increasingly finding its feet and its voice in these matters – we’re not going to just sit back anymore, we’re ready to fight and stand up for what’s best for our beloved home.”
Despite the refusal, suspicions remain high this is not the last people have hard of plans to develop Brookfields.
Mossley’s councillors said jointly: “We are convinced there will be a new application soon.
“But for now we can only thank the people and community of Mossley for raising these concerns in your objections.
“Every bit of action from each of us has led to this positive outcome.”