Jim raises plight of home owners

Jim McMahon MP

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CHADDERTON came to parliament as MP Jim McMahon brought forward a debate on compensation payments to residents of Broadway.

Ward councillor Colin McLaren has been supporting frustrated residents from Broadway, whose noise and pollution compensation claims have been rejected by Highways England.

After years of wrangling the complaint was raised with Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon.

The issue dates back to 2012 when the council in conjunction with Highways England created a new junction to access the new Henry John Newman College site on Broadway.

The problems associated with the junction became a cause for concern for the local residents.

They had difficulties accessing their own driveways and were affected by severe noise and light pollution which meant that their property values had dropped as well as a negative impact on their own quality of life.

The residents approached Peter Almond and Partners, chartered surveyors and highway compensation consultants based in Macclesfield, who advised the residents that under the terms of the Land Compensation Act 1973, they were entitled to claim compensation for noise and light pollution which the residents claim have adversely affected the value of their properties.

Highways England received 32 household claims with evidence provided in accordance with the criteria to submit such compensation claims.

Highways England have rejected the claims advising residents to refer the complaint to the Lands Tribunal.

However, this would mean that residents would have to provide more evidence and if they were to lose the appeal they would be liable for all legal costs incurred by Highways England, making it a time consuming and costly exercise.

Mr McMahon took the matter to Parliament and secured an adjournment debate to raise the matter directly with the relevant minister.

He said: "The school is a great boost to local children and has the support of the local community. With any large building scheme proper consideration must be given to those affected and when there is a loss to the value of property which can be demonstrated it shouldn't be so long and painful to have the matter resolved.

"I was sent to parliament to speak for the people of Chadderton, Oldham and Royton and I'm pleased that the minister was so willing to work towards a solution."

Councillor McLaren added: "This has been a team effort on behalf of the residents of Broadway and we are fortunate it was selected for a parliamentary debate.

"We are delighted that the minister has agreed to ask the Highways Agency to review the matter and we hope for a positive response."