To: Vicki Bates (vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk); leader@stockport.gov.uk; michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk; Lisa Smart – Enquiries (enquiries@lisasmart.org.uk); emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk
Dear Planning Officer,
Given the previous planning corruption when lethal brown asbestos fibres were deliberately left on primary school site, you all need to act on this.
Objection to Planning Application DC/097786 – Padden Brook Woodland.
I wish to object to planning application DC/097786 for the proposed residential development at Padden Brook Woodland.
My objection is based on concerns regarding contamination, hydrology, ground conditions, the proposed retaining wall, and the potential impact on a sensitive woodland and watercourse environment.
Historical reports prepared for nearby land at The Folds describe a landscape containing multiple watercourses, culverts, wells, marshy ground, standing water, retaining structures and historic drainage features. The reports record a stream flowing north to south through the area before entering a culvert, a secondary stream joining it, and the presence of wells and drainage infrastructure associated with former industrial activity. The southern part of the area was recorded as marshy ground with extensive standing water.
The reports also identify a history of industrial and commercial uses in the immediate vicinity, including Bridge Works (glove manufacture), a garage, historic wells, and the wider textile and hat-making industries for which this part of Stockport is well known.
Given this industrial history, I am concerned that the application has not adequately demonstrated that the site is free from contamination. Victorian textile mills, associated engineering works, boiler houses, garages and hat-manufacturing facilities are commonly linked with contaminants including heavy metals, hydrocarbons, oils, coal ash, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), solvents, dyes, bleaching chemicals and asbestos-containing materials. Historic industrial discharges also have the potential to contaminate stream sediments, culverts and groundwater.
These concerns are particularly relevant given the presence of historic watercourses, marshy ground, wells and drainage systems within the wider area. Excavation associated with the development, including the construction of the proposed retaining wall and removal of significant quantities of material, could disturb contaminated soils or sediments and alter groundwater movement.
I am also concerned that the application does not sufficiently address:
• The condition and capacity of existing culverts and drainage infrastructure;
• The impact of excavation on groundwater and surface water flows;
• The long-term stability of the proposed retaining wall in an area historically characterised by wet and marshy ground;
• Potential contamination within soils, made ground, groundwater and watercourse sediments;
• The impact on existing mature trees, woodland habitat and protected species.
Given the site’s proximity to historic industrial activity and watercourses, I respectfully request that the Council require:
- A comprehensive intrusive ground investigation.
- Soil, groundwater and sediment contamination testing.
- A detailed assessment of all culverts, drainage systems and historic watercourses connected to the site.
- Independent verification of the retaining wall design and its long-term stability.
- A full ecological assessment addressing the loss of woodland habitat and impacts on protected species.
- A precautionary review of contamination risks associated with former textile, engineering, garage and hat-manufacturing activities in the surrounding area.
Until these matters have been fully investigated and independently assessed, I do not believe sufficient evidence has been provided to demonstrate that the site is suitable for residential development or that the development would not pose risks to human health, the environment, local watercourses and surrounding properties.
I therefore request that the application be refused, or alternatively that further investigations be required before any decision is made.
Please address this issue or another complaint will be lodged with the Local Government Ombudsman. We shall have Restore councillors next May who won’t countenance corruption or incompetence.
Yours faithfully,
Sheila
