Salford Council to continue fight against recycling plant

TOWN hall bosses remain confident that plans for a new recycling plant will be rejected - despite an appeal from developers.

A government planning inspector has been called in to decide whether Salford Council was right to turn down proposals from Sky Properties Ltd to build the waste incinerator in Monton.

Councillor Derek Antrobus, the council's Lead Member for Planning, said: “We’re very happy that we have a strong case for refusal and we will fight the case as best we can.”

The plans prompted 4,000 protesters to sign a petition, complaining the development in Green Lane would increase traffic, pollution and lower house prices.

The council’s rejection in June last year was on three grounds: that the site would increase traffic, be a potential eyesore and that Sky had not provided enough information on what emissions the plant will produce.

When asked if the planning committee had been influenced by the petition, Cllr Antrobus said: “No, the city council, when it comes to planning decisions, has got to look at the quality of the arguments, not at the quantity of objectors. That’s what will persuade an inspector.”

Government planning Inspector John Woolcock will begin his inquiry on May 9 2012.

The Say No To Green Lane Incinerator group has been fighting the proposal for nearly two years.

Cllr Antrobus, member for Swinton North, is confident that Sky’s appeal will be refused, pointing to the failed appeal of the F3-F5 Nasmyth Business Centre, a proposed waste transfer centre also on Green Lane.

That Nasmyth site was rejected on the basis it would contravene the council’s Bridgewater Canal Corridor Masterplan.

“It was felt that that sort of use would have a negative impact on the council’s adopted Bridgewater Canal plan and that gives us confidence that the appeal service were taking into account the council’s policies.”

The canal plan is designed to revitalize areas in Boothstown, Worsley, Monton, Patricroft and Barton. The council expect the plan, agreed in March 2011, will attract £67 million of private and public investment.

A public meeting to discuss the opposition group’s continued efforts against the Sky plant will take place on Sunday March 4 at Worsley Golf Club at 2pm. MP for Salford and Eccles Hazel Blears will be in attendance lending her support.

Additionally, on March 15 a fundraising event will be held to hire a barrister to go over the case. Tickets are £10 and there will be a quiz, raffle, games and music. The venue is Worsley Golf Club from 7pm until 11pm.