Unauthorised groundwork by a caravan park next to a Grade II-listed Lancashire viaduct have raised anger and questions about potential structural damage, rights of way and public safety.
The unauthorised work at Bridge Heywood Caravan Park, in Read, in the Ribble Valley involves the owners digging a ditch and created a soil mound - a 'bund' - on an old railway embankment next to the historic Martholme Viaduct above the River Calder, bordering the Ribble Valley and Hyndburn. The caravan park did not have planning permission but is now seeking retrospective approval from Ribble Valley Council.
Planning officers had recommended approval with conditions. But many councillors say they are 'minded' to refuse retrospective permission. A final decision which will be confirmed next month, under council procedures if councillors want to go against planning officers' advice. The rail line and viaduct once carried the Great Harwood loop of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway.
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The caravan park has also cut down trees in the area. Now, some are worried that this will increase the speed of water running into the Calder, heightening flood risks. A host of objections were raised at Ribble Valley Council's latest development committee meeting from a resident and councillors. Others watched from the public gallery.
Nobody spoke on behalf of the caravan park.
Clifton Pollard, from Read, spoke for Martholme Greenway group and Readstone Environment Group.
He said: "When we first noticed tree felling and works next to the viaduct, we reported it to planning officers. Unfortunately before any action was taken, almost all the vegetation and trees, including mature healthy trees, had been removed. A bund with a trench almost three metres deep was constructed next to the viaduct abutment, exposing its full width to the elements.
"In a planning report, the trench is described as a 'slight gap or channel'. In reality, it is more making to a tank trap. Was a proper inspection made?
Mr Pollard said Railway Paths Ltd has a right of access along the section for maintenance. But access is now blocked. He also said Railway Paths granted public access in 2017 along the old viaduct from the Hyndburn side but a steel fence was put up at the Read end to stop access.
Mr Pollard said railway corridors are important for mammals, bats and birds. But the tree removal had 'devastated' the habitat.
He added: "The track where the proposed [caravan site] recreation area is to go leads to nowhere. Whereas the paths on the Hyndburn side are used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Furthermore, the environment on the Hyndburn side is maintained sympathetically by Hyndburn Prospects and Martholme group volunteers.
"If the applicant [the caravan site] allowed access over the viaduct, something the public had enjoyed for 35 years up to the foot-and-mouth crisis [in 2001], caravan site residents would have access to a ready-made recreation area across the viaduct and a walking route to Great Harwood. There would be no need for a fence, bund and ditch.
"Also it would be the next step towards completing the Cycleway 685 which, as part of the Local Cycling and Walking Initiative, was endorsed by Ribble Valley Council last week."
He added: "If this planning application had been made in the correct way before any work was done, officers would have recommended refusal. Our groups now request refusal, removal of the bund and ditch, and a scheme for natural vegetation and tree planting for approval."
'REFUSE THIS AND TAKE ENFORCEMENT ACTION'
Green Party Coun Malcolm Peplow also spoke. Last week, he received backing at Ribble Valley Council for ambitions to develop and promote the Martholme Greenway, a path and cycle route along the old line. where possible, linking the Ribble Valley, Hyndburn and Padiham, near Burnley.
Coun Peplow is not on the Development Committee but was allowed to speak.
Holding before-and-after photographs, he said: "These clearly show the extent and devastating impact of the tree felling. Speaking on behalf of myself and Gaye McCrum, the other ward councillor, I ask you to refuse retrospective planning permission and to initiate appropriate enforcement action. These earthworks are like something you'd see at a military site, like a castle. "
He claimed the caravan park's work raised numerous planning concerns including listed building protection, heritage, sustainability, ecological and geological issues. He also alleged the caravan park had put wrong answers in the application form.
VIADUCT DAMAGE FEARS
Independent Coun David Birtwhistle said: "I have spoken previously about using this route to Padiham as a youngster. Also now, as chairman of the Economic Development Committee, I'd like to see the Martholme greenway idea developed as a new, carbon-free access route to industrial areas.
"I think the applicant has flagrantly damaged or potentially damaged the viaduct. Ice or water could cause the viaduct to fall down. The stonework is likely to deteriorate with the structure being exposed. We should refuse this or defer until someone can do the correct remedies."
Independent Coun Ian Brown said: "This is blatant disregard for the planning system. What has happened is tragic. And the drop on the other side, for a child or anybody, would be horrendous. I want this refused, not deferred. This is a serious issue. We cannot let this happen."
Conservative Kevin Horkin said: "I think the planning officers have had a raw deal here and have tried to come up with something. But I thought this committee was going to take a dim view in future if anybody thinks they can ride rough-shod over the planning policies of Ribble Valley Council? We have a duty to deal with this. We should refuse it."
Lib-Dem Coun Mark French said: "Everybody knows my opinion about retrospective planning applications. This is one of the most egregious I have seen."
Labour's Lee Jameson said: "The applicant has lied retrospectively, to me. It is a great concern that the applicant is trying to hoodwink councillors and officers. I want that put on the record."
However, planning officer Lyndsey Hayes said the caravan park had not lied on the application form. The answers reflected the situation on-site now rather than previously. Other parts of the application process and officers' questions would identify what had been there previously.
Conservative Coun Tony Austin said: "We took someone to court last year because someone destroyed a listed building. No one can deny that this has damaged a listed structure. We must stop this.
"Also the public fear a right of way have been challenged. If the right of way has not been extinguished then they are committing an offence. We need to understand the right of way situation."
'TREE PLANTING SHOULD BE PRIORITY NOW'
Conservative Simon Hore, deputy council leader, said he understood people's feelings. However he suggested the way forward was granting permission but adding conditions including tree planting and maintenance over 20 years.
He said: "I hate the loss of greenery. I've seen the photos showing a whole raft of trees gone. What has happened is unforgivable. But where do we go from here? If we go for refusal and enforcement action, that will take a long time. If we give approval but also insist on a tree planting scheme with maintenance, we could get that processed in three months, in time for early next year. That, for me, is the priority."
Development Committee chairwoman Conservative Coun Sue Bibby, stressed councillors must clearly identify planning system reasons for recommending refusal, to avoid grounds for an appeal.
Councillors highlighted the issues raised by Coun Peplow and voted to say they were 'minded to refuse' the application. Officers will do more work and the application will be looked at again next month.
