Followers

Wednesday 16 December 2009

Eternit Meeting

Attended the Derby Rd Residents Association public meeting last night that was arranged to update residents on the state of play re the proposed Eternit development.

Unfortunately I was only able to stay for a short time but it was long enough to hear Jason Addy talk about his concerns regarding what was going on in relation to the council's handling of Eternit's proposals.

Several requests have been made by the group for information about how the council came to the decision that an Environmental impact assessment was not necessary. Such requests to date have been declined. The group seem to be regarding this response as not being in the public interest.

It was also mentioned that the council owns part of the land. This information I understand is in the public domain. But obviously it places pressure on the council to ensure that the financial gains from any development are optimised. This of course is in the interest of all of us who pay council tax. This said it's to be hoped that this does not unduly influence the council in its decision about the proposal.

The questions I would like answered are as follows:-

What could be done with the site if this development doesn't go ahead? What's happened in other areas? Given the dangers, are unused buildings and other infrastructure just left standing? Are there any cast iron solutions in relation to how to deal with such a situation?

The chances of contracting asbestiosis apparently are minimal but if there's even the slightest possibility should we not act? On balance and without being an expert I feel that the site should have the least amount of remedial work carried out on it given the inherent dangers. I think we should be putting the case strongly for alternative ways of dealing with the site. Unless, that is, council officers can provide sufficient evidence that the present proposal would provide similar safeguards.

Peter Brewin has requested that if anybody who worked at the old Everite site and knows where any material has been dumped to contact him. See earlier blogs for contact details

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