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National regeneration agency English Partnerships has appointed Ascot Environmental to carry out the work over the coming 12 months. This will make the 104.5 hectare site ready for building and landscaping.
When complete, most of the site will be landscaped to become an attractive new 96 hectare country park linked by trails to Silverdale village, Silverdale Enterprise Centre and the existing Apedale Country Park.
The remaining 8.5 hectares will be prepared for residential development with a choice of well-designed, new homes, built to high environmental standards and including affordable housing. The neighbourhood will include a new village square and play areas.
Outline planning permission was granted by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council in late 2006, following extensive consultation with the local community on a masterplan for Silverdale Colliery.
The reclamation work will include:
- removing all foundations and structures of the colliery workings;
- cleansing the soil of any remaining industrial pollutants;
- excavating over 800,000 cubic metres of earth to alter the level of the land; and
- creating over 6km of new footpaths and bridleways.
Part of the earth mounds and trees that currently screen the colliery from Scot Hay Road and the existing community will also be removed. This will open up views and ensure the new homes integrate with the existing community.
Also included will be work to drain and infill one of the two pools in the High Lane Void and turn the other into a managed wildlife habitat and landscape feature, in keeping with the approved plans.
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