Haslingden firm faces opposition over lorry park plan

2:00pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News

OBJECTORS are fighting plans for a lorry park close to their homes, amid crime concerns from the police.

Solomon Commercials, which employs 283 people in Rossendale, wants to use green belt land, off Manchester Road, in Haslingden, to house 92 of its refrigerated vehicles.

A previous bid by the firm to build the car park over a pond in Kingsway was withdrawn last September after concerns were raised by neighbours.

The latest planning application has prompted 19 objections from residents, including Coun Gladys Sandiford, who are unhappy about a number of fac-tors, including the potential impact on wildlife, and traffic problems.

Solomon Commercials said the creation of the car park could lead to 95 long-term jobs.

In a supporting statement, the company said: “We did commission a more exhaustive search through (chartered surveyors) Nolan Redshaw to find sites for Solomon to grow into, but we are keen to avoid these as they are out of Rossendale.

“Once that first step is made, the business will follow entirely.

“The managing directors of Solomon Commercials are Rossendale people, educated at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, and live in the valley. The aim is to keep jobs, and growth, in Rossendale, if at all possible.”

The council’s development control committee will meet at 6.30pm, in Bacup, tonight to decide whether, or not, to give the scheme the go-ahead.

Coun Sandiford, who represents the Greenfield ward, in Haslingden, said: “The proposed site is in the green belt. The council’s current consultation on recommendations to change the status of various green belt sites in Haslingden does not, and has not, included this site.

“Permission for this application could set an unwelcome precedent.”

Lancashire Constabulary has asked for greater crime prevention measur-es, including robust fencing and CCTV cameras, to be included in the cond-itions for any planning approval, due to the threat of high-value theft.

“The force said there were 61 reported crimes in the immediate surr-ounding area within the last year.

Comments(5)

mavrick says...
5:57pm Tue 19 Mar 13

Perhaps the objectors including the police should remember if you have got it a truck brought it. As I see it this is not a truck stop application, Who are the police to demand extra camera,s and more robust fencing? If there has been a high rate of crime in the area why have the police not stepped up patrols? after all the company pays business rates. The vehicles this company builds are high value so it would be in the interest of the company to have proper security in place. The nimby's need something to complain about. That company could relocate anywhere and take the jobs with them, But I doubt if the objectors have considered that or simply don't care. As for setting a precedent I would suggest it is a containable situation.

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bunnyboiled says...
2:28am Wed 20 Mar 13

I suspect it is a veiled threat by solomons that there could be a relocation if the vote is unfavourable. However I totally agree with maverick on his opinions, some people really do need to look at the bigger picture before objecting,just for the sake of it.

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Violet432 says...
3:56am Wed 20 Mar 13

Over recent years they have preferred to use European workers so the jobs created would mainly be for Europeans rather than the unemployed local community.

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HelmshoreBoy says...
12:50pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Councillor Sandiford and her nimby protesters should beware. Over 200 jobs will be lost. Solomon's won't hang on forever and will relocate to an area where they are welcomed with open arms. There is only so much a local firm will stay loyal.

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gillbacup says...
1:08pm Wed 20 Mar 13

Violet432 wrote:
Over recent years they have preferred to use European workers so the jobs created would mainly be for Europeans rather than the unemployed local community.
Ask yourself WHY are they using european workers, is this because they have vacancies that they need to be filled and that no english people apply for the jobs. Don't blame Solomons for employing people who are prepared to work for a living.The unemployed local community don't want to work they are more that happy to sit at home and claim benefits.

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