Former Stalybridge power station development plan changed

PLANS to convert a former power station and its surrounding area into a ‘community park’ and housing development have been changed.

One alteration will see a children’s play area at Tame Valley Park created next to a pond where a teenager drowned earlier this year.

A community hub that was originally put forward is also disappearing.

The 62-acre development in Millbrook, which would see 162 homes built around what was Hartshead Power Station and Millbrook Sidings, has caused an outcry among opponents who are concerned at the loss of green space.

Now Casey Group, who is looking to build it, has changed the proposal, with them adamant it will be greener.

Part of that will see a play area moved next to the pond at which 14-year-old Lucy Smith lost her life in August.

But according to documents submitted days before Christmas: “The revised proposal will locate it closer to the proposed residential development and existing residential community at the Crowswood Drive area.

“The revised location also addresses feedback from some residents regarding accessibility and future management.

“Consideration of the optimum position for the proposed play area has been guided by several factors.

“This revised location will frame a strong gateway into the park from the Crowswood Drive area. The revised location for the play area is the most suitable location.”

Broken down into different areas, the ‘new’ Tame Valley Park will see a hub become an ecological area after Tameside Council raised concerns around the original’s sustainability and viability.

There were also worries about public safety and the potential for anti-social activity if unrestricted access was made available.

However, documents insist: “The revised proposals for this part of the Tame Valley Park will therefore now focus on creating a secure green space that is reserved for new and bespoke habitats.

“It will be centred around improvements to biodiversity and ecology with public access limited to organised groups to help protect the area and maximise the outcomes for nature.”

Plans for the former power plant area have also been altered, focusing ‘on creating a diverse and high-quality habitat.’

“It will be a space that is dedicated to nature and seeks to maximise the variety of wildlife, plants and other organisms to create new and enhanced ecosystems close to the river/canal and the linked habitats in the valley,” those looking to develop it add.

“This will involve restricting public access to organised educational (including local schools) and special interest groups for learning and observation as the lack of human interference will help to maximise the biodiversity outcomes.

“The revised proposals on the former power station site will provide major additional biodiversity and ecology benefit for the whole scheme with over 41,400m2 of new wildlife habitats being created.

“This will contribute to the wider scheme generating an overall Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of just under 25 per cent compared to 16 per cent with the original submission. A BNG increase of 25 per cent is a major benefit to the area.”

The Woodland area is also changing but Casey Group’s documents insist: “For years to come the revisions will create a major ecological enhancement area which will deliver identified long-term benefits to the wider area.

“Overall, the scheme delivers a wealth of public benefits and the scheme will ensure that a positive legacy is delivered at the former power station site, which the local community can enjoy and be proud of.”

Opponents remain sceptical of this new proposal, although a public consultation program is expected in January.

In a letter, the Greater Manchester Archaeological Advisory Service says it has ‘serious reservations’ regarding the attitude towards the former Staley and Millbrook goods shed on the site.

It has requested conditions be put in place preventing work starting before archaeological works are agreed.

Residents also claim approval may be followed by an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which sees people charged for driving the most polluting vehicles, may be brought in.

They say: “Most of us knew the community park was always a pie in the sky dream.

“There are no new infrastructure amendments, no new additions to stop the traffic using one entrance/exit on to Churchfields Estate.

“Established green belt woodland eradication will occur to make way for this development and there’s a strong potential of it attracting anti-social behaviour. If this goes ahead, it will potentially increase it.

“We will not give up the good fight easily because there is so much at stake.

“Complete eradication of a well-used established green belt woodland area, loss of wildlife, biodiversity, ecology and flora/fauna.

“There is also a potential worry about increased road traffic usage in the area. A ULEZ on Huddersfield Road might be considered to try and reduce traffic usage.

“But that would be like placing a costly plaster over an open wound that could have been prevented in the first place.

“If the planning application from Casey’s is accepted by Tameside planners, then there is a potential for anyone using, living near or on Huddersfield Road (maybe Wakefield Road in Heyrod) to be charged for using it and that cannot be fair to leave us all with a costly future legacy.”