14th June 2026

To: Planning.DC@Stockport.gov.uk,Vicki Bates (vicki.bates@stockport.gov.uk); leader@stockport.gov.uk; emma.curle@stockport.gov.uk; Lisa Smart – Enquiries (enquiries@lisasmart.org.uk); Katie Moores (katie.moores@stockport.gov.uk); liz.sykes@Stockport.gov.uk

Dear Planning Officer,

Supplementary Objection – Potential Land Contamination from Historic Wire Works, Planning Application DC/097786

I wish to submit a supplementary objection to planning application DC/097786 relating to potential land contamination associated with the historic wire works formerly located at Padden Brook.

Since reviewing further historical information regarding the site and its surroundings, I am concerned that insufficient weight has been given to the contamination risks arising from former industrial activity on and adjacent to the application site.

Historic wire works are recognised as potentially contaminative land uses. Such operations commonly involved metal processing, wire drawing, galvanising, pickling, machinery maintenance and the storage of industrial materials. These activities can result in the long-term presence of contaminants within soils, made ground, groundwater and watercourse sediments.

Potential contaminants associated with historic wire works include:

  • Heavy metals, including lead, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel and chromium;
  • Hydrocarbons, oils and greases associated with industrial machinery and maintenance operations;
  • Acids used in metal cleaning and pickling processes;
  • Coal ash, clinker and furnace residues from steam-powered industrial operations;
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with coal combustion and industrial activities;
  • Asbestos-containing materials associated with historic industrial buildings and infrastructure.

These concerns are particularly significant given the historical characteristics of the site and surrounding area. Historical records identify streams, culverts, wells, marshy ground and standing water in close proximity to the application site. Such features can act as pathways for the movement and accumulation of contaminants and may result in contaminated sediments being present within historic watercourses and drainage systems.

The proposed development would involve substantial excavation works, changes to ground levels and the construction of a retaining wall. These activities have the potential to disturb previously undisturbed contaminated soils or sediments and may alter groundwater pathways. Without comprehensive site investigation and testing, it is difficult to understand the potential risks to future residents, neighbouring properties, local watercourses and the wider environment.

I am therefore concerned that the application has not adequately demonstrated that the site is suitable for residential development or that contamination risks have been fully assessed.

I respectfully request that the Council require:

  1. A detailed Phase 1 contaminated land assessment addressing the site’s industrial history, including the former wire works.
  2. An intrusive Phase 2 ground investigation incorporating soil, groundwater and sediment sampling.
  3. Testing for heavy metals, hydrocarbons, PAHs, asbestos and other contaminants associated with historic metalworking activities.
  4. Assessment of contamination within any culverts, drains, watercourses or historic made ground affected by the development.
  5. A remediation strategy, where necessary, before any planning permission is granted.

Given the site’s industrial history and the proposed residential end use, I believe that a precautionary approach is necessary to ensure that any risks to human health and the environment are fully understood and appropriately managed.

I ask that these concerns be taken into account when determining the application.

Yours faithfully,

Sheila Oliver