'Serious' concerns over potentially deadly gas below planned Traveller site in Chesterfield

Applicant J Cash has submitted a planning application to Chesterfield Borough Council for a Traveller site with three pitches on land to the rear of Mayfields at Hady Lane, Hady.

In a letter of objection, Derbyshire County Council stated: "The county council has serious concerns about the location of this development specifically with regard to the former landfill site upon which it is sited.

"We are concerned for the safety of persons who may access the new wooden structures that are part of the development, since it is highly likely that landfill gas, a mixture of mainly methane gas (flammable) and carbon dioxide gas (poisonous) with up to several hundred trace gases, will migrate from the ground into the buildings."

Councillor Ken Huckle, who represents St Leonard's on the borough council, said: "The site should not be used for residential use because there is an unsafe element to the site."

Coun Kate Sarvent, who also represents St Leonard’s on the borough council, added: "The application site is totally unsuitable for residential occupancy, being situated on a disused landfill which still produces quantities of methane gas.

"Concerns were raised during previous applications to develop this site, the last in 2014, and there have been no changes since then."

Planning documents submitted on behalf of the applicant stated: "The three pitches will all be occupied by persons falling within the definition of Gypsies and Travellers.

"Each of the pitches will accommodate a mobile home and a touring caravan with parking for one private car and one light goods vehicle. No business operations will be undertaken on the site.

"The site is well screened and will have no impact on the amenity of any residential property. Given the well defined and screened location, there will be minimal impact on the character of the countryside."

The borough council is yet to make a decision on the planning application.