Quarries

Rivington being considered for Greater Manchester Waste

March 10, 2010 by admin | No comments (edit)

Stage two of the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal consultation has clearly identified two sites at Rivington as a potential location for Greater Manchester’s waste.(In a previous document one of these sites was identified as particularly important to the strategy)

The two sites are Montcliffe Quarry and Pilkington Quarry. Both have agreed restoration plans – Montcliffe to become a place for leisure by 2012.    Pilkington quarry should  have been restored by 2008, in accordance with the 1950 and 1968,1997 and 2002 planning permissions, as stone extraction was completed several years ago.

You would think that Rivington was safe ?

Pilkington Quarry has been subject to spotlight over the last twelve months. As green waste has been allowed to be imported into the quarry (even though the planning permission allows only inert waste). This has been allowed to happen even though planning permission has expired. In 2009 this waste was found to have contaminated the surface water. There is additional contaminated land within the quarry. A new planning permission is currently seeking to extend the life of the quarry until 2042 (see 83299/09)

Montcliffe quarry is also subject to discussions by Bolton Council for use in waste disposal.

Both sites are in the Green Belt. Both sites have agreed restoration timescales. Bolton’s current UDP currently identifies the West Pennine Moors (including Rivington) as particularly important to tourism. This is about to change.

Bolton’s new Core Strategy, currently in the consultation phase until 06 March 2010, specifically excludes the West Pennine Moors as being important to tourism, removing some of the safeguard against inappropriate development in one of the most beautiful areas in our locality.

Please make your thoughts known to your local ward councillors, Bolton Council and the press.

Please make sure that anyone who loves this area, vists or lives in this area because of the landscape and the greenbelt knows about the situation.

Please see these links :-

http://www.gmwastedpd.co.uk/