1. What is happening at Silverdale Colliery now?
Ground preparation work is taking place between October 2007 and autumn 2008.
Ascot Environmental is carrying out the work to make the 104.5 hectare site ready for building, landscaping and further restoration.
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2. What does the reclamation work involve?
The reclamation work includes:
- 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 prepare the land for future housing and to part fill the High Lane Void;
- removing part of the earth mounds and trees along Scot Hay Road;
- installing new drains and water management systems;
- constructing an ecological area; and
- creating over 6km of new footpaths and bridleways.
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3. What about the local inconvenience during the reclamation?
Most of the work is taking place within the colliery site and measures are being taken to not unduly inconvenience local people. Measures are in place to reduce the risk of water pollution and to minimise noise, vibration and dust. Wildlife habitats are also being protected.
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4. How is the site being kept safe during the works?
Construction sites are potentially very hazardous places. The site is fenced off and measures are in place to prevent unauthorised entry. Existing footpath routes are clearly marked passing around the edge of the site and it is important not to stray from these designated routes.
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5. What will happen next?
English Partnerships will run a competition to select a developer for Silverdale Colliery in 2008. The site will be advertised and promoted to the national housebuilding industry as an opportunity to create a new sustainable community that will integrate with Parksite and Silverdale village. The bids put forward by developers will be evaluated according to a range of requirements including how well they meet the aims of the masterplan and the planning permission. This process will enable the best overall proposal to be chosen.
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6. When will development start?
The selected developer will need to gain detailed planning permission before work can begin. The developer will consult with the local community to prepare the detailed plans, guided by the agreed vision in the masterplan. There will be a further chance for the public to comment when the application for detailed planning permission is submitted to the borough council. Development is likely to begin in 2009.
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7. How did you arrive at the plans for the site?
Following the community consultation undertaken in 2000, 2003 and again in early 2005 with various stakeholder and community groups, a clear preference for a combination of managed recreation, housing and community uses was established. Taking the feedback onboard, the project team incorporated the options and preferences of the community where possible and developed a new achievable option which balances all these elements with the site characteristics and addresses the needs of the area and community.
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8. What improvements will this development bring to Silverdale?
The final plan incorporates a wide range of uses for the Silverdale Colliery which will encourage both economic and social development for the area in the long term. Benefits include:
- new housing, which will offer more choice of type and affordability for existing and new residents;
- more local employment at the Enterprise Park;
- creation of additional business for local shops and services;
- a new 96 hectare country park, linked to Apedale Country Park by safe, accessible pedestrian and cycle links.
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9. What community facilities are going to be included within this development?
The regeneration and development of the Silverdale site will link to the economic development of the area and support existing local services. Among the community facilities will be:
- a new village square which will become a focal point for the community;
- a green ’spine’ running through the site, creating a leafy walkway beside a new water feature (which will also help divert excess rainwater from Furnace Pool and High Lane Lake at the top of the site);
- lots of walking routes to the surrounding area including Apedale Country Park, and pedestrian-friendly road layouts to encourage slower vehicle speeds;
- three play areas, with children’s play equipment;
- a senior and junior football pitch, with changing facilities;
- a site is identified for a future possible community building.
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10. What will the housing be like?
The 300 new homes will be built to English Partnerships’ high national standards of layout, design and environmental quality. There will be a broad mix of housing types, including family homes. Three quarters of the new homes will be offered for private sale and a quarter will be available for rent through a local housing association.
The illustrative masterplan and layout shows how the project might look but the precise details will be put forward by the appointed developer following community consultation.
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