Glossop Spur Planning Consultation Process is a Sham

7th November 2005

Campaigners and local residents today voiced concerns over the restricted access and time permitted to the public to view the detailed Environmental Impact Assessment published as part of the planning application for the Glossop Spur road. The plans, submitted by Mouchel Parkman, contractors for the scheme promoted by Tameside MBC, fill two archive boxes; contain over 2,000 pages of written material plus a vast quantity of maps and supporting technical data. The plans have been available for viewing during opening hours at Mottram public library and at local council offices in Ashton, Hyde, Matlock and High Peak during office hours and the minimum statutory consultation period of 21 days has been granted.

Jeff Brown, a resident from Mottram said:

"I am concerned about the impacts of the Glossop Spur road on the valley and want time to study the plans. I am in full time work, so there are only four hours on a Saturday morning when I can get to see them at Mottram Library. I have been told that if I pay £37.60 the paperwork can be supplied on CD from Mouchel Parkman, but when a friend called into the offices on Friday 4th November, to pick up a copy it was not available. At the very least, Tameside should extend the consultation period to compensate for these delays."

Emma Lawrence, spokesperson for the Save Swallow's Wood campaign said:

"It says something about the state of this country when it is considered fair and democratic a that a project of this scale is regarded in the same terms as a one-bedroom house extension or a new garage. This is no ordinary planning application. It will have long terms consequences for the landscape and populations of the Longdendale Valley. Surely local people have the right to make an informed decision based on the facts, but how can they do that in such a short time and with so few opportunities to study the plans?"

For more information, contact: Emma Lawrence Tel: 0845 226 3392

Photo opportunity: Image supplied separately/location details.

Notes for Editors:

[1] The Glossop Spur is a 1.4 km local authority scheme promoted by Tameside MBC. The budget is estimated at £9 million. It was originally proposed as part of the £103 million, Mottram-Tintwistle trunk road scheme sponsored by the Highways Agency and is seen as an integral component of the road building programme for that area.

[2] The plans were published on the 26th November 2005 but were not available to the public until the 31st November.

[3] Statutory planning requires a minimum consultation period of 21 days. The council has the authority to extend this period, should they deem it necessary.

[4] The plans are available for members of the public to view at: Tameside Council Offices, Wellington Street, Ashton; Hyde Town Hall, Market Street Hyde; High Peak Borough Council Offices, Municipal Buildings Victoria Street, Glossop, Derbyshire County Council Offices, County Hall, Matlock, during office hours; and at Mottram Library, Broadbottom Road, Mottram at the following times:

• Monday: 2.00pm - 5.00pm
• Tuesday: 2.00pm - 5.00pm, 5.30pm - 7.00pm
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 10.00am - 1.00pm, 1.30pm - 7.00pm
• Friday: 2.00pm - 5.00pm
• Saturday: 10.00am - 1.00pm

[5] Public exhibitions arranged by Tameside MBC are:

• Wednesday November 9, 2pm to 8.30pm, Glossop Town Hall
• Thursday November 10, 3.30pm to 8.30pm, Broadbottom Community Centre
• Friday November 11, 2pm to 8.30pm, St Mary's Church, Hollingworth
• Saturday November 12, 9.30am to 1pm, Mottram Community Centre

[6] There are over 10,000 households in the Longdendale Valley and Glossop.