Old Telford mine tunnels filled despite concerns over traffic and disruption

The Coal Authority have raised concerns about the safety of the site east of Old Park Way in Telford, and have asked for clarification about its planned end use.

Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee heard concerns that classes at a school – just across the road from the Old Park site – might be disturbed by the arrival of up to 30 trucks a day.

In a report before the planning committee planning officers recommend “surcharging” the one-hectare patch of ground, which lies within a larger 11-hectare space west of Thomas Telford School and east of Old Park Way.

In a letter to the council, which is applying to do the work, Coal Authority planning liaison manager Maryann Orwin wrote: “Records indicate that within the application site and surrounding area there are coal mining features and hazards which need to be considered.

“Records indicate the presence of 25 coal mine entries and their associated zones of influence within, or within 20 metres of, the planning application boundary.

“The site is in an area of recorded and likely unrecorded coal mine workings at shallow depth and is within the boundary of a site from which coal has been removed by surface mining methods.

“It is not explicit in the documents which support the current application, but it is assumed these works are being carried out in order to facilitate the re-use or redevelopment of the site at a later date.

“Confirmation of the envisaged end use may be useful when considering the risks posed by the coal mining legacy on the site.”

Michael Francis, of Teawell Close, The Rock, wrote to the Telford and Wrekin planning department to register his objection and ask why the work was taking place.

“If it is to strengthen the ground so they can then apply for planning permission to build houses on this land then I object strongly,” he wrote.

“We do not need any more houses.”

A statement from Lawley and Overdale Parish Council, given as part of the consultation process, said: “Both entrances to this site are accessed off roads busy at peak times due to commuters and school traffic.

“The Parish Council suggests that the HGVs accessing and exiting the site do so outside of peak traffic times.

“It is also essential that there is adequate wheel wash facilities at both entrances as the roads and footpaths surrounding the site are heavily used by traffic and pedestrians.”

Planning committee member Jayne Greenaway pointed out the site was in “close proximity” to Thomas Telford school, and the proposed work hours – 7am to 7pm – included school drop-off, pick-up and lesson times.

“The report we have said they will keep in contact with the school, but I don’t notice that they were consulted over the application,” she said.

Planning officers reassured Cllr Greenaway and her colleagues that the use of the eastern access point, off Hollinshead Way, would be restricted during school hours.

The seven-member committee voted unanimously to approve the plan.

By Local Democracy Reporter Alex Moore