Asbestos fears over site of former school
CONCERNS have been raised about asbestos contamination on the old High Birch school site in MARLAND after developers unveiled plans to build homes there.
Oldham-based Greenstone Construction Limited have applied for planning permission to build 23 homes on the plot off Bolton Road.
But in an objection letter a resident of neighbouring Marland Fold said it would be a ‘gross affront to local residents’ to grant planning permission without first making the land safe.
The letters adds: “Following the discovery of asbestos on the site as a result of negligent demolition, and the current advice from Rochdale council that the site should not be entered, I object to any further attempts to disturb this site for building or any purpose on the grounds that further asbestos may be released into the atmosphere.
“To now consider building homes on this land places the local population in jeopardy.”
But an environmental survey of the site, carried out on behalf of the applicant, makes no mention of asbestos.
However it does reveal tests discovered levels of potentially toxic arsenic, cadmium and chromium in the soil.
But the survey’s authors say the land could be made fit for housing by removing 50cm of soil from the contaminated areas, and replacing it with clean soil.
In a statement submitted with the application the developers say: “Due to the surrounding areas being predominantly residential properties it is proposed to redevelop the site with 12 semidetached and 11 detached houses.
“It is considered that this mix of house types is in keeping with the existing housing stock in the area and will maintain the existing residents’ expectations of value and desirability in the area.”
The developers add five trees will be cut down during construction, but say they are willing to plant replacements elsewhere.
High Birch School closed during a shake-up of special education in Rochdale and the building was sold at auction in 2010 and later knocked down.
Prior to its demolition it had been repeatedly targeted by vandals and arsonists.
The application will be decided at a later date.