Chinley plans to be rejected?
HIGHWAY issues look set to scupper the current proposals for the planned redevelopment of the former Dorma factory site in Chinley.
The plans, which include up to 182 homes, up to 2,323 sq m of offices or light industry and a creche, are due to go before High Peak Borough Council’s Development Control Committee on Monday.
The proposals for the 28-acre site, derelict since the factory closed in 2005, are recommended for refusal on three grounds: highway safety; lack of adequate, safe access provision for pedestrians/cyclists etc and the failure to provide adequate affordable housing, as only 20 per cent is proposed.
The report to committee members states the road network serving the development is inadequate with narrow road widths, no pavements and no street lighting.
The Highway Authority have expressed concerns that the proposals will lead to a significant increase in the use of the substandard highway network to the detriment of highway and pedestrian safety.
Although all parties, including local residents and the parish councils, are in agreement that the site should be redeveloped the revised plans have come under fire over their size and the poor single vehicular access.
Members of Chinley, Buxworth and Brownside Parish Council, commenting on the application said: “While the parish council acknowledges that use of the Forge Works site is desirable, the proposed development is not the answer.”
They highlighted concerns over access, size and the number of homes proposed, possible contamination issues, traffic flow, sustainability and flooding.
“Chinley village and Whitehough hamlet cannot support the huge influx of population and traffic associated with the development of 182 houses,” they added.
Chapel-en-le-Frith Parish Council, although supportive of the redevelopment of brownfield sites, said a main vehicular access would need to be provided from the Alderbrook side together with additional footpaths.
The application prompted a number of letters from residents. A total of 66 were submitted raising objections while two letters in support of the application have also been received.
The meeting will take place at Chapel Town Hall at 1.30pm on Monday.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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