Mill site approval for housing development

GRANTED . . . Plans have been approved to demolish Wall Hill Mill on Mill Lane, Dobcross

PLANS to level a former mill site to make way for 26 houses on Green Belt land have been granted.

A recommendation for refusal had previously been made by the Coal Authority which objected to the development of the Wall Hill Mill site, in Dobcross, on the grounds that the land may be "unstable".

But the government body withdrew its objection over land instability ahead of last night's planning meeting after seeing a completed risk assessment of the site.

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of developers Dronsfield Mercedes demolishing the mill to make way for 26 houses at a planning meeting on Wednesday night.

Applications to convert four of the mill buildings into 40 houses and car parking were previously submitted and remain valid.

Alan Chorlton, of Chorlton Planning, said: "Until recently the site has been used for vehicle dismantling.

"Plans now are to demolish the mill to make way for an attractive cluster of houses around a water feature.

"Our risk assessment has now been accepted by the Coal Authority and their objection has been withdrawn.

"We feel that the proposal will remove a group of large unsightly buildings, improve road safety and provide an attractive development for family housing."

Councillor Nikki Kirkham praised the scheme for producing much-needed additional housing in the area and moved the proposal for approval.

Case officer Brian Smith said in the report: "The applicant has failed to adequately demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Coal Authority that past mining activity does not pose any risk to the proposed development in relation to issues of land instability."

The Coal Authority previously said that Chorlton Planning "failed to satisfy" them that past mining activity did not pose any risk to the proposed development but up-to-date information has since been provided.

A mixture of two and three-storey properties would be built at the bottom of the valley and access to the 1.7-hectare site will continue to be via Mill Lane.

Objections were previously made by residents over the "lack of consideration" given for affected public footpaths and bridleways.

But officers said in their conclusion: "Appropriate contributions would be secured towards improvements to a bridleway, affordable housing and open space."

Concerns about the potential negative effects of surface water and the route's close proximity to the A62 Oldham Road were also raised. But the highway officer was "satisfied" that new access would improve the situation.

A new junction will be created with Huddersfield Road, while the existing one, which leads on to Wall Hill Road, will be sealed off.

Planning officers said in the report: "Layout, scale, pattern and density will not harm the character and appearance of the area and an appropriate relationship can be achieved with surrounding occupiers to ensure it has no adverse impact on the occupiers. The development would provide a safe access for all highway users."