COUNCIL VOWS TO FIGHT NEW COAL PIT LANE PROPOSAL - ALCOCK

11.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 22nd Jun 2009

Oldham Council is to continue to fight plans for a new landfill site at Coal Pit Lane.

Last month the authority had submitted an official rejection of an initial proposal to build a new tip at the Green Belt site. It has now been asked to consider a revised, smaller scheme but remains opposed to the plans.

Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: "We objected to the original plans for Coal Pit Lane on the grounds that it would generate considerable extra traffic plus additional dust and noise pollution."

"This is a site located in the Green Belt and the plans would also have knock-on effects on local estates in Bardsley and Limehurst, such as generating heavy traffic around neighbouring homes and schools.

"Our initial objections were listened to in part but we have now been asked to consider a new scheme located on the open cast mine section. It is smaller in size from what was originally proposed, however, I would like to reassure residents that we will again be lodging official objections on the very same grounds.

"New landfill sites are needed but this is not in a location that we consider to be either appropriate or acceptable for such a development."