A FOUL STENCH IS IN THE AIR OVER MONTON WASTE PLANT HEARING

Residents living on Lansdowne road in Monton were shocked to find notices pertaining to proposals for a 'household and industrial waste transfer and treatment plant', posted to lampposts in the area.

The notices mysteriously appeared, notifying residents of an online Microsoft Teams meeting which is to be held tomorrow (Tuesday 26th September) at 10am.

We understand that the reason for the hearing is due to an appeal by Manchester Recycling Limited, who were refused a permit last May by the Environment Agency.

Both residents and local councillors are outraged at the lack of notification over the hearing and have voiced strong opposition, stating the clear lack of consultation.

Salford Media has it's ears closely pressed to the ground on planning matters and even this one managed to swing past us, this is the first we have heard of a hearing being held and it would seem that we are not alone as the council were seemingly kept in the dark too.

As many of you are aware, Monton has retained one of the most vibrant high streets in the city, a destination for food and drink and entertainment. Local residents and business owners have voiced their concerns to us regarding not only the smell from the site but also the increased industrial traffic in the area, and rightly so.

The economy of Monton is heavily reliant on customers to it's many bars and restaurant's, many of which have made considerable investments in outside dining areas. So as you can imagine, it would have a detrimental impact on the local economy should customers be put off from the stench which would undoubtedly radiate across the area from the site. It's no wonder the plans were refused in the first place.

As for the online meeting, it is our opinion that it would be insulting to suggest that such a detrimental appeal should be heard online. Evidence clearly shows that many of the residents in the area are elderly and not everyone has access to a computer or Microsoft Teams.

It is also unacceptable to expect local residents to phone or email for a link to the online meeting, the link should be made public for all to attend.

It is our opinion that any such hearing should be held properly at a venue within the area, so that members of the public can physically attend to voice their concerns. The planning inspectorate should understand that not everyone has access to the internet and anything less would be restricting those who wish to use their voices to challenge such an appeal from doing so.

In response to the notice, Eccles councillors have told us:

Quote

 

"This is an appeal by the company against a decision by the Environment Agency to refuse permission.

"The council hasn't been notified about the hearing, which I feel in completely inappropriate.

"Given the lack of local consultation, the reference on the notice is incorrect, the papers are not available on their website and the hearing isn't listed for tomorrow on the Planning Inspectorate website, we have therefore called for the hearing to be put back to allow residents to be properly notified and make their representations.

"All three Eccles Labour Councillors strongly oppose this development.

"We were as shocked as everyone else when the notices went up on the lampposts - neither councillors nor the Council itself were notified of this hearing.

"We have called for the hearing to be pushed back, given that there has been no consultation with the community, the information on the notice is incorrect, and the documents are not available on the website.

"Once we have all the information, we will be able to make a robust legal argument as to why this should not be going ahead, and support our community to make their voices heard."

 

To attend the meeting tomorrow at 10am, you are required to be using Microsoft Teams, and able to send an email for a link to the online meeting to rachel.newman@planninginspectorate.gov.uk, quoting reference APP/EPR/613 or call 030  344 45363. You will need a valid email address to attend.