Arsenic, gas and mine shafts found on controversial Darwen homes site

3:00pm Tuesday 30th October 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Dan Clough, Reporter

The land between Pole Lane and Spring Meadows The land between Pole Lane and Spring Meadows

CAMPAIGNERS fighting a proposed 133-house development in Darwen have hit out after an assessment found arsenic, gas and three mine shafts on the site.

Ruttle Plant Holdings resubmitted its plans to build on vacant land between Pole Lane and Spring Meadows last month.

The plans were knocked back by the council last year, a decision that was upheld after an appeal was taken to the Planning Inspectorate.

The design and access statement submitted as part of the planning application contains details of a geo-environmental assessment. The assessment, by Cheshire-based Brownfield Solutions Ltd, said: “The site has low levels and localised arsenic contamination.

“There are three shafts on site which will require locating, filling and capping.

“There is a potential off-site source of landfill gas which will need further assessment.”

Town councillor for Marsh House Simon Huggill has sent a letter of objection against the plans. He said: “The proposed development will not be viable in the current economic times. This green field site needs extensive remediation work to the land, affected by mines, extraction and contamination.”

Sedgwick Associates, who represent the developers, and builder David Knowles denied any problems.

Sedgwick’s Matthew Symons said: “Geo-environmental assessments have been undertaken that demonstrate there are no issues that cannot be mitigated against. Should planning permission be granted, a condition can be imposed requiring further investigation.”

Mr Knowles said: “There is no arsenic on the site. Even if there was some it can be dealt with chemically.”

Comments (3)

3:49pm Tue 30 Oct 12

owdman says...

Mr Knowles said: “There is no arsenic on the site. Even if there was some it can be dealt with chemically.”

So first he says no arsenic, then says what would happen if there is arsenic. Does not sound as though he knows what the facts are. He does not inspire trust.
Mr Knowles said: “There is no arsenic on the site. Even if there was some it can be dealt with chemically.” So first he says no arsenic, then says what would happen if there is arsenic. Does not sound as though he knows what the facts are. He does not inspire trust. owdman

12:50pm Wed 31 Oct 12

jackmetickler says...

owdman wrote:
Mr Knowles said: “There is no arsenic on the site. Even if there was some it can be dealt with chemically.” So first he says no arsenic, then says what would happen if there is arsenic. Does not sound as though he knows what the facts are. He does not inspire trust.
town planning does not inspire any trust either...

It seems he with the biggest cheque book gets what he wants.
I dont think that is the remit of the Planning Commitee.

Mind you they dont call them the 'Brown Envelope Brigade' for nothing.
[quote][p][bold]owdman[/bold] wrote: Mr Knowles said: “There is no arsenic on the site. Even if there was some it can be dealt with chemically.” So first he says no arsenic, then says what would happen if there is arsenic. Does not sound as though he knows what the facts are. He does not inspire trust.[/p][/quote]town planning does not inspire any trust either... It seems he with the biggest cheque book gets what he wants. I dont think that is the remit of the Planning Commitee. Mind you they dont call them the 'Brown Envelope Brigade' for nothing. jackmetickler

11:46am Thu 1 Nov 12

darwenlass1 says...

There are areas in Darwen which are well known as being unsuitable for housing development. This is just one of them. Over the years property developers have tried and failed to getting building permission. It is with good reason. Old mine shafts and potential high levels of toxins are not a good combination on which to build a house. It's not rocket science.
If this development does go ahead, are the property developer, their representatives and builder (and their families) willing to buy and live in a house on a "filled in" mine shaft or on soil where arsenic has been "chemically treated"? (putting more toxins in to the soil content).
Besides which, how many more new houses does Darwen need?
Darwen has not got the capacity to justify another major development so leave us alone please. Unless, someone knows something we don't??? and they probably do!
Any further views?
There are areas in Darwen which are well known as being unsuitable for housing development. This is just one of them. Over the years property developers have tried and failed to getting building permission. It is with good reason. Old mine shafts and potential high levels of toxins are not a good combination on which to build a house. It's not rocket science. If this development does go ahead, are the property developer, their representatives and builder (and their families) willing to buy and live in a house on a "filled in" mine shaft or on soil where arsenic has been "chemically treated"? (putting more toxins in to the soil content). Besides which, how many more new houses does Darwen need? Darwen has not got the capacity to justify another major development so leave us alone please. Unless, someone knows something we don't??? and they probably do! Any further views? darwenlass1

Comments are closed on this article.

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree