Sky Properties challenges Green Lane refusal

Sky Properties is challenging Eric Pickles' decision to dismiss the company's appeals against Salford City Council's refusal to grant planning approval for Green Lane Eco Park.

The legal challenge was brought under Section 288 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, and seeks to have the Communities Secretary's decision quashed by the court.
Anthony Hirsch, managing director of Sky Properties, said: "Our legal challenge seeks to have the appeal re-determined and we believe we have grounds for its success. The Green Lane site is a designated employment site by Salford City Council, and our scheme could provide much-needed energy from waste facilities to serve Greater Manchester and the wider region.

"At the same time, we are considering alternative uses for the Green Lane site which reflect the hopes and aspirations of the local residents as expressed by them at the inquiry. We intend to actively engage with both the local community and Salford Council to hear the views of all parties."

Salford City Council refused planning permission in 2006 for an application for housing on the Green Lane site, and an appeal to the then Communities Secretary Hazel Blears was rejected.

The site, acquired by Sky Properties from engineering company Mitchell & Shackleton in 2003, was among the recommended plots described in the Greater Manchester Waste Development Plan Document Preferred Options published in November 2009.