Manchester airport 28.5 ha car park in public safety zone given go-ahead, despite safety fears from residents

Plans for a ‘gigantic’ 9,000-space car park under Manchester Airport’s flight path have been approved – despite claims it is an accident ‘waiting to happen’. Manchester council agreed the proposals at its latest planning meeting, prompting shock from local residents. The airport says it needs the long-stay facility, near the Moss Nook area of Wythenshawe, to replace a 3,000-space car park being lost to part of the Airport City development. The airport claims it would cut traffic and pollution. But the plans will mean building in the airport’s  ‘public safety zone’ – the area around the end of a busy runway that is usually left undeveloped to protect people from planes. The risk of a plane crashing, on landing or take-off, is highest there.  Residents and ward councillors fear any future plane crash would cause a massive explosion because thousands of petrol tanks would be in one place.  Petitions containing more than 2,200 signatures were submitted opposing the move, along with 34 formal letters of objections, while local ward councillors had already voted against it last month.  The car park will take uk at least 28.5 hectares of green land.
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Airport car park given go-ahead, despite safety fears from residents

by Dominic Salter
24.10.2013 (Manchester Evening News)
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Manchester council agreed the proposals at its latest planning meeting, prompting shock from local residents.

Neighbours protesting against the car park. Councillors have said: “The airport needs to think again.”
Neighbours protesting against the car park. Councillors have said: “The airport needs to think again.”

Plans for a ‘gigantic’ 9,000-space car park under Manchester Airport’s flight path have been approved – despite claims it is an accident ‘waiting to happen’.

Manchester council agreed the proposals at its latest planning meeting, prompting shock from local residents.

The airport says it needs the long-stay facility, near the Moss Nook area of Wythenshawe, to replace a 3,000-space car park being lost to part of the Airport City development.

It also says the move would cut traffic and pollution.

But the plans will mean building in its ‘public safety zone’ – the area around the end of a busy runway that is usually left undeveloped to protect people from planes.

Residents and ward councillors fear any future plane crash would cause a massive explosion because thousands of petrol tanks would be in one place.

Petitions containing more than 2,200 signatures were submitted opposing the move, along with 34 formal letters of objections, while local ward councillors had already voted against it last month.

Speaking against the application, Rod Havercroft, speaking on behalf of the residents said the ‘trauma and devastation’ of the region’s two previous air disasters – in Wythenshawe in 1957 and in Stockport a decade later – still live on in local memory.

The plans showed a ‘stunning disregard’ for residents, he said, adding: “No-one can guarantee there will not be another air crash in this area.

“We do not believe the planning committee should take that risk either – please do not take a chance with our safety.”

Planning officers say the move fits in with the council’s own core strategy, stressing the government does permit certain types of development – including long-stay car parks – in public safety zones.

But fellow Woodhouse Park councillor Eddy Newman said residents’ fears were being ‘glibly dismissed’ – dubbing the car park ‘gigantic’ and adding: “The airport needs to think again.”

In considering the application, planning committee member Coun Aftab Ahmed echoed his fears.

He said: “Accidents will happen sooner or later and I believe this is an accident waiting to happen.

“Nine thousands cars under a flight path I think is ridiculous.”

The application was passed by eight votes to five, prompting one resident to shout at planners: “May god have mercy on your souls.”

A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: “We are pleased the planning application to improve car parking facilities for passengers using the airport has been approved. Moving forward we will continue to work with our local community and stakeholders as we have always done.

“We understand that our operations can have an impact on local residents and as we look to invest, we will keep lines of dialogue open while continuing to act as a job creator for the region.”

Manchester car park site  Moss Nook

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Manchester Airport 9,000 space car park plan given approval

The car park is earmarked for Styal Road, Ringway Road And Shadowmoss Road area which is to the north east of Manchester Airport.
Petitions containing more than 2,200 names were submitted to the council opposing the scheme
 

Fields near Manchester Airport will be turned into a 9,000 space car park after councillors approved plans.

The 70 acre (28.5 hectare) site lies in Wythenshawe to the north-east of the airport.

Dozens of residents had objected to the plan, fearing a decline in property values, loss of green views and traffic congestion.

Planning officers backed the plans saying the airport was a “catalyst for the regional economy”.

The airport said it was working with residents to “address any concerns”.

Petitions containing more than 2,200 signatures were submitted to Manchester City Council objecting to the plan and concerns were also raised by 34 residents and a local residents association.

They said they could be affected by noise from car alarms set off by aircraft and by people parking on their streets to take advantage of the park-and-ride while avoiding charges.

‘No detrimental impact’

In a report to the council, planning officers said it was “unlikely” that would happen.

The planners recommended the proposal for approval on the grounds that it was a “a vital component in the growth of Manchester Airport”.

They also said it “will not have a detrimental impact upon residential amenity or highway safety”.

Manchester Airport currently has eight public car parks with 15,595 spaces and eight staff car parks with 5,535 spaces. A 3,110 space car park closed in 2010.

The 24-hour car park will be sited between Styal Road, Ringway Road and Shadowmoss Road.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-24653970

 

Manchester Airport
Anthony Pooler

 

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-airport-car-park-given-6239260

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