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Aerospace business to touch down despite concerns?

1/ 3/2002

THE first of two applications to bring an aerospace business to Audenshaw has been given the go-ahead despite residents' concerns.

Hyde Investments Ltd was given permission to build a two-storey extension to existing offices on the site of Delta Works, in Delta Road, Audenshaw.

They plan to submit another application at a later date relating to the factory itself.

But residents say the building of the offices is the key to the site becoming operational once again - a move they say will make the area 'like living in Trafford Park'.

Nigel Allen, acting head of planning at Tameside Council, said Delta Works was a 'long, established industrial premises'.

"They [Hyde Investments] have various plants up and down Tameside, they're probably Tameside's largest employer," said Mr Allen. "They're wishing to take over the factory and modify it for their own purposes."

Residents submitted a 601-signature petition listing an increase in traffic, the use of HGVs, noise pollution, and the devaluation of properties, as reasons for opposing the plans.

Six letters were sent by residents listing similar concerns and 24 letters were submitted by Churchfields residents - objecting to the factory proposed in the second application.

Resident Steven Phillips said: "601 people signed this petition and we have real concerns about the noise and the traffic... It will be rather like living on the edge of Trafford Park, the impact on residents lives would be highly detrimental."

Cllr Brenda Hilditch said she'd been asking for traffic calming measures in the area for years. And she raised concerns about access to the site via Delta Road, saying it was 'a street with a lot of young children on it'.

David Highton, representing Hyde Investments Ltd, said the application was part of a major £4m investment which would secure 150 jobs and provide additional employment opportunities.

The council's speakers panel approved the office extension but made it clear they wanted the company to propose traffic calming measures as part of their second application.